🌎 Resumen en español · traducción automática
El Servicio Nacional de Meteorología advierte sobre un calor peligroso y récord que afecta a Kentucky y otras partes del centro y este de Estados Unidos esta semana, por lo que es importante limitar actividades al aire libre, mantenerse hidratado y tener acceso a aire acondicionado o centros de enfriamiento. Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor ocurren cuando el cuerpo no puede enfriarse adecuadamente, y pueden variar desde condiciones leves como desmayos y mareos hasta agotamiento por calor, siendo el golpe de calor la más grave, que requiere atención médica inmediata y se caracteriza por temperatura corporal de 103 grados Fahrenheit o superior, piel seca o sudoración profusa, pulso rápido y fuerte, y posibles convulsiones o pérdida de conciencia. Factores como la edad, obesidad, deshidratación, enfermedades cardíacas y el uso de medicamentos recetados aumentan el riesgo de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, especialmente cuando hay alta humedad que impide que el sudor se evapore correctamente.
Traducción y resumen generados por IA a partir del artículo en inglés. Puede contener errores; consulte el texto original.
As the National Weather Service warns of dangerous record-setting heat across the central and eastern U.S. this week, including Kentucky, it’s important to protect yourself from the extreme heat and to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Periods of prolonged, persistent heat are among the deadliest weather hazards in the United States because the impacts build over time,” the National Weather Service said on its Facebook page. “Long periods of extreme heat create significant stress on the body, especially outdoors. Be sure to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and ensure access to A/C or cooling centers.”
Heat-related illnesses happen when the body isn’t able to properly cool itself, and can range from milder conditions (fainting, dizziness, heat rashes and cramps) to heat exhaustion. The most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one of the main things that affects a person’s ability to cool down during hot weather is high humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly as it normally does, and it’s the evaporation that keeps us cool.
Other factors that put a person at increased risk of heat-related illnesses are age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are excessive sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast but weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness, headache and fainting.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke — which requires immediate medical attention — are high body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher); hot, flushed, dry skin or profuse sweating; a fast, strong pulse; headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, slurred speech, seizures or loss of consciousness.
The CDC offers tips for everyone to follow to avoid heat-related death or illness, as well as some just for seniors and those in high-risk groups.
Tips for everyone:
- Stay in air-conditioned locations as much as possible
- Limit outdoor activity, especially during midday when the sun is hottest
- Pace activity, start slow and gradually pick up the pace
- Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as needed
- Check the local news for health and safety updates
Additional tips for those most at risk:
- If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area. Public facilities, like malls and libraries, are also available, as is the air-conditioning in vehicles.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.
- If your doctor limits your fluids or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
- Check on friends and neighbors, and have someone do the same for you.
- Don’t use the stove or oven to cook; it only makes your house hotter.
- Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
It’s also important to never leave children or pets in cars. As of June, eight children have died in hot cars in the United States this year, according to KidsandCars.org.
