6 Tips to Prevent Heatstroke in Louisiana

The official start of summer is just a few weeks away and temperatures are already exceeding 90F. As expected, many New Orleans families are celebrating by getting outside and enjoying the weather. Whether it’s biking through the park or boating on the river, Louisiana offers plenty of fun outdoor activities. But as temperatures and humidity begin to rise, so too does the risk of suffering from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 618 people in America are killed every year by extreme heat. Sunburns, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are serious issues that can affect anyone.

For this reason, heatstroke prevention in Louisiana is everyone’s responsibility. No one is immune to suffering from heat-related illnesses—children, adults, and the elderly should all follow these simple tips to stay healthy this summer.

Limit Your Exposure to Heat

If you’re not acclimated to high humidity and summer temps, you’re more susceptible to heat illness. Even Louisiana natives can be caught off guard during the hottest months of the year. Give yourself time to get used to the increasing heat in phases. Maybe you’ll start by spending 15 minutes in the heat a few days a week until you’re comfortable and then bump it up to 25 to 30 minutes. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it!

Adjust Your Exercise Routine

If your exercise routine involves spending a lot of time outside, you may need to adjust your habits during the summer months. Strategically schedule your workouts for when it’s coolest outside, generally in the early morning or late evening hours. 

Remember that what feels like a light workout in the fall, winter, or spring can take a dangerous toll on your body during the summer, and turn down the intensity as needed. You may also want to use cold compresses behind the neck after a workout to help stabilize your body temperature. 

Always Wear Sunscreen

A bad sunburn is painful, but lack of adequate skin protection can actually contribute to other heat illnesses, too. When you have a sunburn, the body is unable to properly regulate heat and can cause heat exhaustion faster. Anyone, including young and healthy individuals, should take extra precautions to prevent burn injuries.

Choose Lightweight, Loose Clothing

On particularly sweltering days, when you know you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure you dress appropriately. This means wearing clothes that are lightweight, loose-fitting, and light in color. Cotton, linen, or rayon tend to be the most breathable in hot weather. You may also want to wear a hat to provide you with additional shade.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is one of the best methods of heatstroke prevention in Louisiana. Bring an ample supply of water with you when you know you’ll be outside for long periods of time. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which may cause you to dehydrate more quickly. Sports drinks with electrolytes may be helpful when consumed in conjunction with water. 

When it comes to how much water you should be drinking, the amount will vary from person to person. Your age, weight, activity level, and medical conditions all play a role in how much water you need to stay hydrated. Some signs that you’re not getting enough water include fatigue, reduced skin elasticity, and darker-colored urine. 

Recognize the Signs of Heat Illness

Try as you might, heatstroke prevention in Louisiana isn’t always possible for those who regularly work outside or in environments with little or no cooling. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illnesses in yourself and others and seek medical help right away. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Heavy sweating
• No sweating
• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• High body temperature

Legal Recourse After Suffering Heat Injuries

If you or a loved one has suffered heat illness due to the negligence of an employer, caretaker, or business, contact Mike Brandner Law for a free consultation. You and your family may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.Speak with a member of our team by calling one of the numbers listed below. You can also contact us via LiveChat or request a free case review online. The call is free, the consultation is free, and we do not charge fees unless your case is won.