Welcome to brain Stuff, a production of iHeart Radio, Hey brain Stuff Lauren bog Obam. Here. An unprecedented and dangerous heat wave is enveloping the Pacific Northwest in the United States,
with high temperatures shattering records across the region. Just for one example, in Portland, Oregon, where the high in June is typically around seventy eight degrees fahrenheit that's twenty point five degrees celsius, residents are struggling to stay cool as a city set a scorching high record of a hundred and sixteen degrees fahrenheit that's forty six point six celsius at the end of June. That temperature also broke the record for the hottest ever recorded in Canada the same week.
Residents in these areas aren't used to this type of intense heat, and unlike in regions where it's more common, many don't have air conditioning in their homes, and that
can make a heat wave like this deadly. The world health organizations as a exposure during these particular heat waves can cause exhaustion, confusion, or even heart attacks, and can exacerbate existing health conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, but it's relatively easy to prevent these types of adverse health effects during a heat wave with best practices and if we just look out for ourselves and our friends, family,
and neighbors. First, be sure to dress for the weather. Wear loose clothing. It doesn't really matter whether it's light or dark in color. You vy protective and moisture wiccan clothing are best if you have to work or otherwise be outside. This will help protect your skin from sunburn and help absorb sweat to keep you a little cooler. Be sure to protect your face, hands, and any other exposed skin with sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses
if possible. Take part in outdoor activities during the morning hours or postpone them until the evening when temperatures are cooler. Take frequent breaks in the shade. If you're working outside in the heat and the activity makes your heart pound or you're gasping for breath, and stop and get inside to cool off and rest, especially if you start to feel lightheaded, confused, or faint. Use the buddy system too. If you're working in the heat, Check in on your
coworkers and make sure they check in on you. Heat related illness can make you confused or even lose consciousness and stay hydrated. A perspiration is your body's way of staying cool, but that moisture loss has to be replenished regularly. If you have to be outside during the heat wave, it's imperative to drink up even if you're not thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, and these will actually make you lose more fluids. You also want to stick to
drinks that aren't super cold. Iced down water can actually cause stomach cramps and extreme heat. Of course, if you're on a fluid restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, talk to your doctor before drinking more than your normally prescribed amount. Ideally, during a heat wave, you want to stay indoors where there's air conditioning. If that's not possible, many cities open up cooling centers during heat waves to provide relief, especially in areas where air conditioning
isn't prevalent due to COVID restrictions. You'll likely have to practice social distancing and wear masks while you're there, but you can also try to go to a public place that has a c like a library, mall, or a movie theater if they are open where you live again
where a mask for safety and practice social distancing. You can also use fans, but keep in mind that when temperatures are in the nineties are higher fans won't prevent heat related illness, and taking a cool shower or bath is a good option, and stick with light, cool foods such as fruit and salads. They won't warm you up like hot heavy meals, and your home won't heat up
when you prepare them. Of course, heat related illness can affect anyone, but some people are particularly at risk, including infants and young children, the elderly, people who are sick, pets, people who are overweight, people without air conditioning, and people
who work outside. Check on people from these groups frequently during the heat wave, and definitely don't leave anyone pets included in a car, as temperatures can soar inside even with a window cracked heatwave or not, and keep in mind that a heat stroke is a medical emergency if you experience a body temperature of a hundred three degrees fahnheit that's thirty nine celsius or higher, hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea,
and confusion, or lose consciousness. The CDC says to call nine one immediately and seek medical attention. Today's episode is based on the article five tips to stay safe during a heat wave on how stuff works dot com, written by Sarah Glin. Brainstuff is production of by Heart Radio in partnership with how stuff works dot Com and is produced by Tyler clang Or. More podcasts my heart Radio, visit the i heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows,