AFSPA Office Closed on Friday, July 31
The AFSPA Office will be closed on Friday, July 31, for staff training and development. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, August 3.
During the summer, the heat can make being outdoors uncomfortable, and the days longer. While it’s okay to enjoy being outdoors when the weather is hot, it is important to understand that it can pose serious health risks. No matter your age, whether you’re an adult, infant, or child, you can be negatively affected by the heat. People with certain health conditions can be extremely vulnerable to extreme heat. Taking precautions can help you and your family stay safe in the heat.
Check the Weather Before Heading Outdoors
Before heading outdoors, check the temperature, humidity, heat index, and local weather alerts. During heat advisories or extreme heat warnings, consider moving your outdoor activities to a cooler time of day or to an indoor, air-conditioned location, if possible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. The CDC recommends paying attention to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index when planning outdoor summer activities, especially if you have asthma or another lung disease.
Additionally, the CDC has a heat and health tracker to monitor extreme heat in your area.
Stay Hydrated & Keep Your Body Cool
Drinking water regularly while outdoors, even if you don’t feel thirsty, is important. Whenever you’re outdoors, bring water with you; this includes when traveling, exercising, attending outdoor events, or even while doing your yardwork.
During prolonged physical activity, take regular hydration breaks. Water is usually sufficient for most activities; however, people who are exercising or being physically active may need to replace electrolytes lost through heavy sweating. It is also important to consult with your healthcare provider for personal guidance if you have been instructed to limit your fluid intake.
In addition, whenever you’re outdoors in extreme heat, it is best to avoid excessive alcohol and beverages high in caffeine, as they may interfere with your ability to stay properly hydrated.
Other ways to stay cool in the heat include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; taking a cool shower or bath; taking frequent breaks in shaded areas; or using a cool, damp cloth on your face and neck.
Although fans can provide comfort, they should not be used as the only means of cooling. The CDC recommends using fans only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F. If temperatures reach above 90°F, a fan can increase body temperature.
Protect Children, Pets, and Check on People Who May Have a Greater Risk
It is important never to leave a child, adult, or pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes, or with the windows partially open. Vehicle temperatures can rise quickly, and the outcome can be deadly. Be sure to check the front and back seats before exiting your vehicle.
Pets should have continuous access to fresh water and a cool, shaded environment.
Some people may be more vulnerable to extreme heat than others. It can be especially dangerous for adults age 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant individuals, people with heart, lung, kidney, or chronic health conditions, people with disabilities, people who live alone, outdoor workers, athletes, and people without reliable air conditioning.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Recognizing symptoms early can prevent a medical emergency. According to the CDC, it is important to know the symptoms of your body overheating and when you will need to seek medical care. Those symptoms include:
If you or anyone you know begins to experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Move to a cooler area and begin cooling them with cool clothes, a cool bath, or other available methods. Please do not give fluids to anyone who is experiencing a loss of consciousness, confused, having a seizure, or unable to swallow.
How AFSPA Can Help
Lifestyle and Condition Healthy Coaching
Our Lifestyle and Condition Healthy Coaching (LCC) program uses a health approach to help you and your covered dependents achieve your best health. Our LCC Health Coach will provide guidance, support, and resources for more than 40 lifestyle and medical conditions to help you overcome obstacles that may be keeping you from achieving optimal health. You can talk to a Health Coach about the following health-related matters, including asthma, physical activity, and more.
To enroll in the program, contact a LCC Health Coach at 1-866-533-1410. You may also enroll online at www.myactivehealth.com/FSBP. Participation in this program is voluntary and is available at no cost to members.
