As a healthcare professional, you have a unique opportunity to provide valuable and casual safety information to your patients, especially regarding seasonal health concerns. As summer temperatures soar, it’s crucial for everyone, including your dental patients, to take appropriate measures to stay safe and healthy. Here’s a guide on how to talk to your patients about staying safe during extreme heat.

1. Understanding the Risks

Start by explaining the risks associated with heat waves. High temperatures can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, are particularly at risk.

2. Encourage Hydration

Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated. Advise your patients to:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid beverages that can dehydrate them, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
• Keep a bottle of water with them when they go out.

3. Recommend Appropriate Clothing

Suggest that your patients wear light, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. This type of clothing helps to keep the body cool and allows sweat to evaporate more easily, which is the body’s natural way of cooling down.

4. Advise Staying Indoors During Peak Hours

Encourage patients to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If they need to go outside, they should do so early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

5. Remind About Sunscreen and Protective Gear

Remind your patients to use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, wearing hats and sunglasses can help protect their face and eyes from the sun.

6. Educate on Recognizing the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Make sure your patients know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
• Heat stroke: High body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, confusion, and losing consciousness.

As temperatures rise to extreme levels, this is a quick and meaningful way to show your patients you care, helping them enjoy a fun and safe summer.