Protect

face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. A hat will keep direct

sunlight off your head and face. Also, hats should be light colored cotton

or open weave to allow for air circulation. Sunlight can burn and warm

the inner core of your body.

While wearing

a hat on hot, sunny days provides protection and shade, when you are out

of the sun and don't need it, take it off. This will help cool you

because most of the body's natural heat loss occurs through the top of

the head. This is an especially good tip for young people involved in

summer sports programs such as baseball. When in the shade or resting

in the dugout, they should be encouraged to take off their caps.

Wear sunscreen

protection. Most people tend to sunburn quickly in the intense sun

of the southeast.

NEVER leave

children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed

vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes. Exposure

to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Besides following

these heat and sun protection tips you need to educate yourself on various

heat-related terms you will hear often during Atlanta's summer.

Heat wave.

High heat (90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and high humidity (80

percent relative humidity or higher) are expected for 48 hours or longer.

Heat index.

A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels

when relative humidity is added to actual air temperature. Exposure to

full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat cramps.

Muscle pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. Although heat cramps

are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is

having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion.

Typically occurs when people engage in heavy activity in a hot, humid

place that results in body fluids loss through heavy sweating. Fluid loss

causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form

of shock.

Signs of heat

exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating;

headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature

may be normal or may be rising.

Heat stroke.

Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life threatening . The victim's

temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body,

stops working.

The body temperature

can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is

not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in

consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature

can be very high, sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

General care

for heat emergencies includes cooling the body, giving fluids and treating

for shock. Specific treatments include:

Heat cramps/heat

exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest

in a comfortable position. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.

Don't let the victim drink too quickly. Don't give liquids with alcohol

or caffeine in them, as they can make the condition worse. Remove sweat

soaked clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets.

Heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a life threatening situation! Help is needed fast.

Call 9-1-1 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place if possible.

Quickly cool the victim. Immerse in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around

the body and fan it.

Watch for signals

of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool

the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or

there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything

to eat or drink.

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