How to Deal with Extreme Heat
We hope that the hot, humid days of the last few weeks have passed but one never knows when living in the Northeast Kingdom, what weather will greet us each day. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) suggests some simple tips that can prevent both heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both potentially serious conditions resulting from overexposure to extreme heat. It is important to keep an eye on your own families and also on the elder population who may not know how to cope with the extreme heat.
What happens when we are exposed to extreme heat?
Normally our bodies cool down by sweating. With high temperatures and high humidity, sweat will not evaporate as quickly and the body will start to overheat. High body temperatures may damage the brain and other vital organs.
Who is at greatest risk for heat- related illness?
Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a serious form of heat-related illness. The body is unable to control its temperature and the temperature rapidly rises, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body in unable to cool down. The body temperature may rise as high as 106° F or higher within a 10-15 minute period. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not quickly provided.
What are the warning signs of heat stroke?
- Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
What to do if you see someone with heat stroke symptoms?
If you do see anyone with these signs, it may be a life-threatening situation. Have someone call for medical assistance while you try to cool down the person.
- Move the person to a shady area
- Cool the person quickly, however you can. For example, immerse the person in a cool tub of water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with a cool hose; sponge the person with a cool sponge; if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool wet sheet and fan him/her vigorously.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. The elderly, those with high blood pressure and those working or exercising in a hot environment are most prone to heat exhaustion.
What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fainting
The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and the breathing will be fast and shallow. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress into heat stroke. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
How to cool the body during heat exhaustion?
- Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Seek an air-conditioned environment
- Wear lightweight clothing
General tips for hot weather:
- Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic). As a general rule of thumb, drink before you are thirsty. If you must be outdoors working or exercising, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids every hour. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. If you are on a low salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. If your doctor has restricted your fluid intake, ask how much you should drink during the hot weather.
- Do not drink fluids that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Wear lightweight clothing, light colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Electric fans do provide comfort but will not prevent heat-related illness. Move to a cooler environment, take a cool shower or bath.
- Stay indoors, if at all possible. If you do not have air-conditioning, seek out a library or shopping mall that will give you a few hours away from the heat.
- NEVER leave anyone, human or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Visit adults at risk a few times a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and children also need close watching, especially if they are outside running around in the sun.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum”) or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
Stay cool and soak up these wonderful summer days as they fly by too quickly. We know what follows…..and it’s not heat!
“HEALTHY YOU” is a weekly column prepared by health care providers and staff at North Country Hospital and Health System. Please call Nancy Goss, NCH Community Relations, 334-3225, for information or to suggest a topic for this column. |
