With summer officially here and temperatures rising, we need to remember to take care of ourselves and take caution in the heat.

In a June 14 article, the American Heart Association warned that 2022 is already seeing record-high temperatures. This spike in temperature can take a hit on heart health.

“Heat and dehydration cause the heart to work harder, trying to cool itself by shifting blood from major organs to underneath the skin,” AHA reported. “This shift causes the heart to pump more blood, putting it under significantly more stress.”

Reportedly, precautions are especially important for older adults and people with high blood pressure, obesity or a history of heart disease and stroke.

“While heart-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” AHA President Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones said in the AHA article.

AHA offered five tips for hot weather precautions.

Watch the clock to avoid being outside when the sun is at its strongest.

Dress for the heat with lightweight, breathable fabrics and sun hats or sunglasses, and wear and reapply your sunscreen.

Stay hydrated with water, and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Take regular breaks in a cool, shady place.

Make sure to follow your doctor’s orders, and continue to take all medications as prescribed.

An advancement in efforts to protect and save hearts is the increase of automated external defibrillators in areas. AEDs are medical devices that use electric shocks to help return a heart rhythm to normal when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest. They are generally small, lightweight and portable for ease of access.

“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac arrest can keep blood flowing to the heart and brain for a time. But often only defibrillation can restore the heart’s rhythm,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Together these treatments can improve the chances of survival.”

The AHA out-of-hospital chain of survival includes six links: recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system; early CPR, emphasizing chest compressions; rapid defibrillation; advanced resuscitation by emergency responders and health care providers; post-cardiac arrest care; and recovery.

We’ve seen some examples of the benefits of AEDs and quick responses right in our neighborhoods.

Catasauqua Middle School student Steel Martell has a heart condition and went into cardiac arrest during gym class in April. Luckily, Catasauqua Area School District has focused on training its staff members on CPR and AEDs, which are stationed in each of the school buildings. Emergency responders were on site quickly, and Steel is doing well today.

Similarly, back in September 2021, North Catasauqua resident Rick Henrick suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack after a round of golf at Brookside Country Club. Once again, staff members were trained and ready to respond and emergency personnel were on the scene quickly. Henrick is back on the golf course and enjoying life.

I work at a local country club, and a major part of my orientation was learning where the AEDs are in each area of the club. Even if you don’t remember from orientation, there are signs posted all over about the AED locations. We are even encouraged to download an app, which allows for quick notification of an emergency and includes a map of the AEDs and videos of proper CPR technique and AED usage.

With high temperatures expected to continue this summer, make sure you are taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and your heart. If you are out and about to local destinations or vacations, take note of any AEDs you see around.

Being safe, informed and prepared just may save a life.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press