Alcoholic Beverages Particularly Harmful In Record Heat Wave
The heat wave which lasted almost 2 weeks across the nation’s Corn Belt, is now finally done. All totaling there were at least Forty-six deaths attributed to the record setting heat-wave which went on from June 28th all the way through July Eighth. One particular way to stay cool throughout the severe heat was to cool down by having cold beverages. Individuals that drank alcohol however, experienced the impact from the heat even worse. Many had to be brought into inpatient alcohol treatment facilities for using alcohol and suffering heat related illnesses. The residential rehab offered at these establishments likely ended up saving a handful of lives during the record setting heat . Check out https://www.thewatershed.com/resource/inpatient-alcohol-treatment-facilities/ for information on treatment facilities.
Drinking in the Sun
Heat alone can be a fatal adversary, however, if combined with the effects of alcoholthe chance of illness and death rise significantly. Diuretics such as alcohol as well as caffeinated drinks should be avoided if possible when drinking on a sunny day because they cause the body to become far more dehydrated. This lack of fluids results in negative effects on the body, including severe headaches and muscle cramps. Drinking alcohol is particularly unsafe as it could cause the person to faint and sleep for several hours without rehydrating which may cause the body to completely shut down
Tricks for Avoiding Heat-Illness
First of all, it is important to know what heat sickness is as well as the symptoms affiliated with it. These symptoms include heart racing, excessive sweating, confusion, fainting, muscle cramps, and heavy breathing. These are all problematic symptoms of being exposed to too much heat for an extended period of time. A great way to prevent these is to obstruct the sun through the use of caps or an umbrella, drinking a lot of ice cold water or Gatorade, putting on lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothes in addition to avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks and any fatty foods while in the heat.
Treatment
If the heat sickness has taken effect, there are ways to fight the symptoms. The best method is to take the person heat and start to cool them off using cool compresses or wrapping them in cool, damp towels. Cold compresses can be applied to the individual’s neck, forehead and crotch as a way for the blood to cool down faster. Submerging the person in cool water can also be effective, but if the water is too ice cold, this could be counterproductive causing shock on their system and causing more damage than good.
When the days begin to become longer and hotter in July, August, and September, it is really important that people pay more attention to their actions on a sunny day. The most recent heat wave has been the cause of way too many fatalities not to take notice. As more people begin to go out boating and drinking at the beach it is important to understand that dehydration is often deadly. More people should consider checking into inpatient alcohol treatment facilities in the summer, if they are being affected by alcoholism. The residential rehab services offered at these facilities can greatly improve their chances of getting sober and remaining safe through these scorching summer months. Check out https://www.thewatershed.com/treatment/programs/residential-rehabilitation/ for info about residential rehab.
