As people often say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Luckily, locals don’t need to travel far to score antique finds. Simply head over to 21st and X Street every second Sunday of the month for the Sacramento Antique Faire.
At this event, merchants from all across Northern California will showcase antique merchandise such as jewelry, rugs, furniture, vintage clothing, artwork, and much more.
But Before You Get Carried Away…
Spotting a rare antique find may make you so happy that you feel faint. However, another reason may cause you to very literally pass out, the heat. If you’ve ever been to an antique fair, you know that most of them are held outdoors, exposing shoppers to the blazing summer sun. And just like your car, extreme heat may cause your body to malfunction.
Heat Illnesses 101
The condition described above is what doctors call heat illnesses. U.S. HealthWorks, which operates an East Sacramento urgent care center notes thatthere are generally three types of heat illness.
Heat Cramps
Muscle cramps and spasms often occur due to extreme heat and overexertion of muscles, i.e. walking around too long in the heat. Should you experience heat cramps, move to a cooler area to rest, drink a cool sports drink, and gently stretch out the affected muscles.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the next level of heat illness severity, occurring when a person sweats profusely but can’t replenish fluids and key electrolytes, such as salt, in the body. Symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fever, among others.
In addition to the steps described above, remove excess clothing to help the body cool off when experiencing heat exhaustion. If these measures do not improve your condition, visit a nearby East Sacramento walk in clinic immediately to get medical attention.
Heat Stroke
Heat strokes occur when the body’s systems are overwhelmed by extreme heat. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. If your companion experiences confusion, agitation, or seizures, get them medical attention ASAP to avoid serious complications.
Avoiding Heat Illnesses
Of course, prevention is better than trying to cure, and a few simple things can help you avoid heat illnesses. To begin with, always bring a bottle of water with you to rehydrate your body during outdoor activities such as antique fairs. Likewise, try to wear lighter clothing during hot weather to help your body “breathe” and stay cool.
Lastly, don’t be a hero: if the weather is too hot, go inside an air conditioned cafe and let the heat pass. Others might get that once-in-a-lifetime find first, but no antique is worth risking your health and well-being.
Sources:
Heat exhaustion mayoclinic.org
Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) hopkinsmedicine.org
U.S. HealthWorks Sacramento - East 