The Wall Street Journal published an informative piece on watching for and preventing heatstroke, vital knowledge as we enter an incredibly hot summer, and as the planetary oven dial will continue ratcheting up higher temperatures:
Noteworthy in this article is the focus on humidity, which has been growing in our normally dry Southern Californian midst and which so many of us are not accustomed to. According to the article, even with “unlimited drinking water, full shade and perfect health … when the wet-bulb temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the body loses its ability to sufficiently cool itself with sweat.”
The article goes on to offer in-the-moment advice on combating heatstroke:
“Someone feeling the effects of heat exhaustion should seek shade or air conditioning, drink cool water, undress and, if needed, take a cool shower. If someone is confused, agitated or having seizures, they should be sprayed or sponged with cool water and fanned until medical help arrives. Over-the-counter drugs meant to control fever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, won’t help.”
Please stay safe and cool on the trails.
