What to do when it’s hot, hot, hot!

As we face a heat wave this summer, remember that heat can be a killer and take steps to help you and your loved ones stay cool. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Furthermore, the National Weather Service asserts that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.“ Centers for Disease Control

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but being elderly, young (0-4 years of age), obese, having a fever, being dehydrated, having heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drug use, a sunburn or alcohol use makes a person more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. Call 9-1-1 immediately,  if a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

The body’s reaction to exposure of extreme heat occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Normally the body cools itself by sweating but when it is extremely hot this may not be enough. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain and other vital organs. When humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly and prevents the body from releasing heat.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body can not regulate its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106 F or higher within 10-15 minutes.

Warning signs of heat stroke

? An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
? Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
? Rapid, strong pulse
? Throbbing headache
? Dizziness
? Nausea
? Confusion
? Unconsciousness

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder from of heat-related illness that often develops after several days of heat exposure due to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion

? Heavy sweating
? Paleness
? Muscle cramps
? Tiredness
? Weakness
? Dizziness
? Headache
? Nausea or vomiting
? Fainting

Steps to take to cool the body

? Rest

? Cool shower, bath or sponge bath

? Stay in air-conditioned areas

? Drink cool, non alcoholic beverages

? Wear lightweight clothing

? Be a good neighbor and check on elderly residents or those without air-conditioning.