Summer weather is around the corner, and millions of Americans are looking forward to spending time engaging in the outdoor activities they’ve missed during colder months. With increased temperatures, however, comes increased risk. While you’re making plans for the summer months, it’s important to keep heat and sun safety in mind.
Summer temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly based on where you live. Your reactions to changes in season can also vary depending on the work you do and your preferred hobbies. Making a quick assessment of your physical, mental and emotional fitness before engaging in any activity will help you better judge the effects sun and heat will have on you during the activity in question. If you need time to acclimate to the changing conditions, take some simple steps like slowly increasing your exposure to the climate or changing your plans to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Bearing that in mind, let’s explore some common heat-related injuries you might experience during summer months.
HEAT CRAMPS
These occur after several hours of physical exertion in the heat.
Signs/Symptoms:
• Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs, arms or abdomen
Treatment:
• Get out of the heat and into the shade.
• Hydrate with water or a sports drink.
• Stretch or massage the affected muscle.
Prevention:
• Acclimate to the environment as gradually as you can manage so your body adapts to the heat.
• Hydrate with water or sports drinks before and during exercise.
• Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear light, loose clothing and use sunscreen.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of water and salt through excessive sweat.
Signs/Symptoms:
• Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and cool, clammy skin Treatment:
• Stop and rest.
• Hydrate and get into a cool room or shade.
• Loosen clothing and apply cool wet towels or pour cool water over the head, behind the neck, and on armpits and the groin area.
Prevention:
• See heat-cramp prevention.
• Get adequate salt intake during meals to replenish sodium loss during profuse sweating.
HEAT STROKE
This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s cooling system stops working and its core temperature rises to a dangerous level. If ignored, heat stroke can lead to death.
• Reduce body temperature by applying water, cool air, wet sheets or ice on the neck, the groin and armpits.
• Seek medical attention immediately. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Prevention:
• Follow steps for preventing heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
(DON’T) STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
I can’t emphasize hydration enough during the fall, winter and spring, let alone when the weather gets hot. All of the injuries I’ve mentioned here are preventable. And never forget: Even those who work office jobs need to drink adequate water. Follow this water-intake recommendation based on your level of activity (adjust accordingly based on the climate of your location):
• Low to no physical activity — 4 to 6 quarts of water daily
• Low to moderate physical activity — 6 to 8 quarts of water daily
• Moderate to high physical activity — 8 to 10 quarts of water daily
Everyone is different, and physical limitations and even medications can factor into whether someone becomes a heat casualty. But whoever you are, you can still enjoy your summer and all of the activities it offers. Just make sure to do so responsibly and everything should work out fine.
MEMBER PROFILE
JASON BRAUN
BRAD DOOLITTLE
HOMETOWN: ELKHORN, NEBRASKA
OCCUPATION: ANIMATRONICS ENGINEER
EDC: SIG P365 XL
The global pandemic and widespread civil unrest of 2020 caused millions of Americans to think more seriously about protecting their families. This push to be proactive is what led animatronics engineer Brad Doolittle to get serious about concealed carry.
“I signed up for a permit class in November of 2020,” Brad said, “but the system was so bogged down that I didn’t receive my permit until January.”
He made proper use of the delay by boning up on his gun-handling skills, including drawing from concealment and dry-fire practice with a Mantis X2. He also practices regularly at The Marksman Range in nearby Waterloo.
“It’s so easy to get a gun,” related Brad, “but you can’t expect to be a viable protector without training.”
He likewise devours online training content from Warrior Poet Society, Active Self Protection and the USCCA.
Brad’s involvement with the USCCA was a slow burn. He received literature about the organization at that pivotal concealed handgun permit class but wanted to take his time to research his options and discuss them with his wife, Beka.
“At the end of the day, I didn’t want to go bankrupt defending myself in court or go to jail — or both — while trying to protect my family. It was a no-brainer,” he said.
When Brad’s first issue of Concealed Carry Magazine hit his mailbox, he was floored to find a familiar face in one of the photos. He contacted the USCCA team, who informed him that the man pictured was, in fact, his long-lost grade school pal: CCM Creative Director Ken Wangler. What are the chances?