The heat wave which lasted nearly 14 days across the nation’s Corn Belt, is done. It was reported that there were at least Forty-six deaths attributed to the record breaking heat wave that continued from June Twenty eighth through July Eighth. One particular technique to remain cool throughout the intense heat was to cool down by having cold beverages. Those that consumed alcoholic beverages however, were feeling the impact of the heat worse. Many people had to be checked into inpatient alcohol treatment facilities for abusing the chemical and suffering heat related health problems. The residential rehab provided at these facilities probably saved a few lives during the historic heat . Check out https://www.thewatershed.com/resource/inpatient-alcohol-treatment-facilities/ for information on treatment facilities.
Drinking in the Sun
High temperatures alone is often a potentially lethal enemy, however when combined with the effects of alcohol consumptionthe chance of illness or death increase substantially. Diuretics such as alcohol and even caffeine should be avoided if possible whenever drinking in the sun because they make the body to be dehydrated. The dehydration leads to more adverse effects on the body, including headaches and cramps. Alcohol is particularly hazardous since it may cause the individual to pass out and remain asleep for hours without rehydrating which may trigger the body to completely shut down
Tips for Avoiding Heat-Illness
First of all, it’s important to know what heat illness is as well as the symptoms affiliated with it. Symptoms can include heart beating faster, dry skin, confusion, fainting, body cramps, and heavy breathing. These are serious signs of being exposed to an excessive amount of heat for an extended period of time. A good way to avoid these is to block the sun by utilizing hats or even an umbrella, drinking a lot of cold water or Gatorade, wearing lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothes as well as avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeine and any very fatty foods while in the heat.
Treatment
If the heat sickness has taken effect, it is possible to deal with the symptoms. Often the best way is to get the person out of the heat and begin to cool them down by using cold compresses or covering them in cold, damp towels. Cool compresses can be applied to the individual’s neck, head and groin in order for the blood to cool down faster. Submerging the individual in cool water can be helpful, however if the water is too ice cold, this could be detrimental causing shock to their system and creating more harm than good.
When the days begin to become longer and hotter in July, August, and September, it is important that individuals pay more attention to their own actions on a sunny day. The most recent heat wave has been responsible for too many fatalities not to take note. As more people begin to go boating and drinking at the beach it is important to understand that dehydration is often deadly. More individuals should consider checking into inpatient alcohol treatment facilities in the summer, if they’re battling with alcoholism. The residential rehab services provided by these facilities will significantly enhance their chances of getting sober and remaining safe through the hot summer months. Check out https://www.thewatershed.com/treatment/programs/residential-rehabilitation/ for info about residential rehab.