101: The temperature (in Fahrenheit degrees) we have already seen this year.
Heat Stroke is a very real concern to southern gardeners, and with this wave of heat coursing through the South, I felt it wise to review the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke.
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| Drink plenty of water! |
At the risk of embarrassing my father, I will tell you a story.
My father suffered a heat stroke last year. I thought he was having a heart attack. When I found him - confused, and mumbling incoherently - I knew he needed medical attention. The bad part? I knew nothing about heat stroke. The worst part? I got so flustered I couldn't dial 911 correctly!
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| Take lots of breaks! |
After we got him to the doctor, I learned the signs of a heat stroke:
Fatigue/exhaustion
Confusion/disorientation
Agitation
Rapid pulse
Difficulty breathing
Absence of sweating (dehydration)
He had all those signs.
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| Have a buddy to check on you! |
Heat stroke is very serious, and can lead to seizures, coma and death. Take it seriously, and if you feel that you, or someone else (or someone feels that you) are suffering from any type of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea or vomiting, weakness, headache, or muscle cramps, get medical attention immediately.
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| Stop when you get tired! |
People that have suffered heat stroke are more susceptible to having it again.
Be careful out there! And remember, a little common sense goes a long way:
Drink plenty of water
Stay out of the heat/sun during the hottest part of the day
Go inside and rest if you get tired
In other words, don't try to be Superman!
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| Take it easy! |
I am thankful that my mother called me to run to their house for something. For that reason only, I went to their house and found my father outside, working in the heat, confused and stumbling around. He even fainted at one point. (That's when I panicked.)
But, he did agree to go to the doctor, nothing more serious came of it, and hopefully he has learned to stop pushing himself. Are you listening, Daddy?
Love your photos. The last one of the cat yawning is adorable.
ReplyDeleteCher
Very creative, I love it! Even here in NJ we hit the high 90's a lot in the summer and I am guilty of pushing it too much. A great reminder to play it safe.
ReplyDeleteAn important message for all of us with a touch of humor. This is my definition of perfection in a post!
ReplyDeleteIt is very serious....gatorade also helps keep your electrolytes in check.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder for all of us doing anything outdoors as we head into summer. I'm glad your dad is OK!
ReplyDelete(Are those your cats? They're quite adorable!)
Cute reminder and I like the images with the captions. 101, I can only be grateful that weather is not here. Big lightening storm today, but it keeps that heat away.
ReplyDeleteCher - Cats don't care what they look like! It's all about comfort to them.
ReplyDeleteONG - Yes, I too have been guilty of pushing myself out in 105 degree temps. But I'm learning, too, it's best to take it easy.
Cathy and Steve - Most of us take for granted things won't happen to us. But sometimes it does! Best to be aware, and take a few precautions. Thanks for your sweet comment.
Darla - Yes, I forgot - gatorade is good, for the reason you stated. Thanks for the reminder.
Bumble Lush - Our lazy cats, yes. We would never overheat if we 'worked' as much as they did - zero!
GWGT - It's usually not as hot here this early. I'm afraid this summer is going to be a real scorcher!
Every pics are lovely but which one whit the cat..most beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCiao Monica
excellent point...when it gets in the 80s and very humid I find myself going indoors every half hour to cool down and drink lots of fluids...you can feel your body screaming at you and I listen...
ReplyDeleteYears ago when I was still in high school or college I remember my mom suffering heat stroke or heat exhaustion. It made an impression on me so that when I work out on hot days I try to be out there in the morning and have water with me at all times. It is a serious side effect. Glad you were there for your dad.
ReplyDeleteI was counting on your to id the rose on my blog from the house tour. No suggestions as to what it is?
Monica - Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDonna - I'm glad you listen. So often we think 'I'll just finish this' when we should listen to our bodies a bit more.
Marcia - It's scary to see someone you love in that situation, isn't it? Sorry I missed your post - I'll take a look.
A meaningful post with relevant yet cute photos to emphasize your advice. The photos with your captions made me laugh although I understand that your message is serious.
ReplyDeleteOne - Glad you found the post enjoyable. You're right - a serious topic, hopefully presented entertainingly.
ReplyDeleteWhat an entertaining and light hearted way of presenting a serious topic. I hope your Dad is on top of his hydration now. It's so easy to miss the symptoms, especially self recognition.
ReplyDeleteIt comes full circle isn't it? When the kids start to worry for their parents :) It must have been scary, no wonder you fumbled but glad to know all was ok in the end.
Mark and Gaz - Yes, we 'kids' become the ones telling the parents what to do! They, in turn, listen as well as we used to!
ReplyDeleteHow scary for you and your father. So glad he is okay.
ReplyDeleteTina - It was scary. I could not *think*! I'm glad he started drinking water, and agreed to go to the doctor's.
ReplyDelete