With new fireworks laws in place, July 4 quiet but hot

Area police officials from the Chisago County Sheriffís Office and North Branch Police Department reported minimal disturbances on July 4.

Compared to past years when fireworks were illegal in Minnesota, police were called out several times a day during the holiday week to respond to complaints about fireworks.

This year, with the legalization of some small fireworks, police were called out only a few times.
No one was treated for burns from fireworks at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center on July 4, according to spokesman Lani Freeman.

Freeman reported that while no one was injured due to fireworks, the hospital staff treated several people for heat exhaustion.

According to Health World Online at www.healthy.net, heat exhaustion takes time to develop, but heat stroke comes on suddenly.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
ï Cool, clammy, pale skin
ï Sweating
ï Dry mouth
ï Fatigue, weakness
ï Dizziness
ï Headache
ï Nausea or vomiting
ï Muscle cramps
ï Weak and rapid pulse

When the bodyís cooling system fails, the bodyís temperature rises fast. This creates an emergency condition called heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke include:
ïVery high temperature (104 degrees or higher
ï Hot, dry, red skin
ï No sweating
ï Deep breathing and fast pulse ñ then shallow breathing and weak pulse
ï Dilated pupils
ï Confusion, delirium, hallucinations
ï Convulsions
ï Loss of consciousness

Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, use of alcohol, and vomiting or diarrhea can put children and adults at risk for a heat stroke during very hot weather.

Heat stroke in children is due not only to high temperatures and humidity, but also to not drinking enough fluids.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented by following some guidelines:
ï Do not stay in or leave anyone in closed, parked cars during hot weather.

ï Take caution when you must be in the sun. At the first signs of heat exhaustion, get out of the sun or your body temperature will continue to rise.

ï Do not exercise vigorously during the hottest times of the day. Instead, run, jog or exercise closer to sunrise or sunset. If the outside temperature is 82 degrees or hotter and the humidity is high, do your activity for a shorter time.
ï Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate. Put on a wide-brimmed hat with vents.

ï Drink lots of liquids, especially if your urine is a dark yellow, to replace the fluids you lose from sweating.

ï Drink water or water with a little salt added if you sweat a lot. Sport drinks like Gatorade, All Sport and PowerAde are good, too.

ï If you feel very hot, try to cool off. Open a window, use a fan or turn on an air conditioner.

ï Do not drink alcohol or beverages with caffeine because they speed up fluid loss.

ï Stay out of the sun if you are taking water pills, mood altering or antispasmodic medications.

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