Late summer is an especially boiling time in Southern California, and particularly in Joshua Tree National Park where temperatures can easily soar into the triple digits. Learn some handy tips to beat the heat and stay cool during your next park visit.
1. DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Choose lightweight, long-sleeve garments, and a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection from the sun.
2. START EARLY! Tackle high-intensity outdoor activities in the earliest parts of the day when the air temperature is usually the coolest.
3. HYDRATE. Keep water containers full. Don’t get stuck outside without water!
4. EAT SALTY SNACKS. Replenish electrolytes lost through sweating with salty snacks. Depleted electrolytes can lead to heat-related illnesses.
5. CONSTRUCT YOUR OWN PERSONAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. A wet towel or bandanna draped around your neck plus a cordless, hand-held fan makes for a very nice cool down.
6. TAKE A BREAK! Don’t overdo it. Go nice and easy in the heat.
7. COOL DOWN AT A VISITOR CENTER. Learn about the science, history, and culture of the park while being refreshed by that government-funded air conditioning!
8. RELAX UNDER A CANOPY. Although not the end-all-be-all, shade can be a game-changer in the heat. Most of Joshua Tree is completely exposed to the blazing sun. When camping, bring along a portable pop-up canopy to enjoy a break from the rays. Cottonwood Picnic Area also has shade areas above their picnic tables.
An important message about heat-related illnesses:
When a person is exposed to heat for a long period of time and/or is not drinking enough water to replace what they’ve been sweating out, they can develop heat-related illnesses. These illnesses can be deadly. It’s super important to recognize the signs of these illnesses, take measures to prevent them from happening, and to reverse their course at the first sign of trouble.
Note that children, seniors, and people suffering from obesity, heart disease, pre-existing illnesses, dehydration, and drinking alcohol and taking certain drugs are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses. Make sure everyone is getting plenty to drink, is replenishing salts lost through sweating with salty snacks, and is taking plenty of breaks, especially when it’s hot out. Common heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Heat cramps. Heat cramps happen during periods of high activity during hot conditions. They present as muscle cramps or spasms (particularly in the legs) and moist skin. Treatment includes resting the sufferer in a cool place for 30 to 45 minutes, placing cool, wet cloths on skin, and giving cool drinks that contain electrolyte replacements.
Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion happens when the body is unable to cool itself during hot conditions, when fluids are lost by excessive sweating and are not replaced. In short, it’s dehydration due to lots of sweating. If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion presents the same symptoms as heat cramps plus heavy sweating; cool, moist skin; fever over 100.4°F (38°C); headache; faintness; dizziness; weakness; fatigue; paling; nausea; vomiting; and diarrhea. Treatment is the same as for heat cramps, with possible fluid IV.
Heat stroke. Immediately call 911. Heat stroke happens when a body’s self-regulating temperature control is overwhelmed by excessive internal and/or external heat. Simply put, the body cannot cool itself. Heat stroke presents as warm, dry skin; flushed face; fever over 104°F (40°C); rapid heart rate; no appetite; nausea; vomiting; fatigue; lethargy; confusion; and agitation. Seizure, unconsciousness, coma, and death are also possible. Treatment includes immediately calling 911, resting the patient in a cool place, placing ice bags under armpits and groin area, pouring cool water on head and skin, removing excess clothing, and providing cool drinks.
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