July in the Midwest…intense heat, high humidity, and the plethora of outdoor activities from mowing the grass to sports, picnics and more. Take care! Heatstroke kills!

  There are many types of heat-related illnesses but the two everyone should be able to recognize are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion typically develops first and if not treated develops into heat stroke. Heat stroke if left untreated can result in death due to the failure of any of the major organ systems.

  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when excessive loss of body fluids inhibit the body’s ability to lower the body’s core temperature. The body’s primary method of cooling itself involves perspiration. As sweat evaporates from the skin the body cools. As the body runs low on fluid for perspiration the method no longer works effectively. The result? Rising body temperatures. Core body temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit can be fatal.

  The typical symptoms of heat exhaustion include: hot, flushed, sweating skin; headache; dizziness; and fainting. Without treatment these symptoms progress into heat stroke with the development of confusion, stupor or agitation, seizures, or coma. The person in heat stroke may no longer sweat due to the depletion of body water.

  How do you treat heat exhaustion? Take a break from the activity that’s making you hot. Find some shade and a breeze so your sweat can evaporate effectively. Fan yourself, squirt yourself with cool water, take a dip in the pool, get a cool drink, etc. Make sure you’re drinking proper fluids during activity or exercise, i.e., eight ounces of fluid for every 15 minutes of moderate exercise. (Beer and other containing alcohol have a diuretic effect and will dehydrate you more quickly. You must be drinking other fluids on the side!) Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde can help replace some of the water, potassium and sodium lost during perspiration.

  If you suspect heat stroke, contact emergency medical services immediately then start cooling measures. Move the person to a cool place, splash them with cool water or apply cool towels and encourage them to drink water if they are still conscious.

 Although children and the elderly are most at risk, the heat can affect everyone. Invest in a wide-brimmed hat and some loose-fitting, light colored clothes. Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks. But most of all make sure you can recognize heat stress signs and symptoms and know how to help. Don’t let your next family get-together turn into a medical emergency!

As I watched this flock of geese land on my lake I noticed they were all honking, talking to each other in their own language. After they had all landed, they became quiet. If something were to startle them or they were about to take off they would once again start talking. Why is that? I think it’s because they had important things to tell one another.

I’ve noticed in the “human race” that some people are talking all of the time and I wonder if they think the things they are saying are of importance like the things the geese talk about when landing, taking off or when startled.

I’m sure you’ve experienced the constant talking by someone but out of politeness said nothing about their constant yakking. And I’m sure that you thought that if this person were listening instead of talking that they might learn something.

If you have something worthwhile to say, say it! If you are just talking to hear yourself talk, be quiet! Everyone around you will be much happier!

Think about it. Could we once again, Look – Listen – Learn from Nature? I think so.