EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING

Many areas of the country are feeling the heat of summer paired with high humidity levels and this combination can result in a dangerous and deadly situation.  The seriousness of this risk is heightened if the individual is a child, elderly, pregnant, obese or injured.  Some medications--high blood pressure and water pills especially-- may intensify the threat.  Healthy, athletic individuals can also be affected if the warning signs are ignored. 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both dangerous and can be life-threatening heat-related illnesses.

• The signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting.
• The best treatment includes drinking cool, nonalcoholic drinks, resting in an air conditioned environment and taking a cool shower or bath.  If the individual cannot keep liquids down, they will need to be evaluated by a physician.  
• The signs of heat stroke include: fever above 103 degrees orally, red, hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.  Individuals who are bedridden and don't have access to water and are not in an air-conditioned area are at a very high-risk of developing heat stroke. This condition can lead to brain damage, organ failure and even death if not treated quickly. 
• The best treatment includes calling for assistance immediately, moving the individual to a shady or air conditioned area and begin to cool their bodies down rapidly. Do not give the individual fluids to drink. Do not give aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fevers.  Do not give salt tablets.

Following the expert’s advice can prevent heat-related tragedies:

• Get cool and stay cool.  Air-conditioning is the number one protective measure against heat-related illnesses and death.  During times of extreme heat, if your home is not air-conditioned plan to spend time in locations with air-conditioning-- shopping malls, public libraries, movie theatres or heat-relief public shelters in your area--during the hottest times of the day.  Electric fans can help to provide comfort but once the temperature soars above 90, fans alone will not prevent heat-related illnesses.  Cool showers or cool sponge baths are another way to cool off.  Listen to your local news and weather channels during extreme heat conditions for health and safety announcements and follow their advice. 
• Stay out of the sun.  Outside work should be scheduled for early in the morning, late in the evening or in well-shaded areas. Pace your outdoor activities.  Take frequent breaks in the shade or cool areas to allow your body to rest and recover. 
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Do not wait until you are thirsty to begin to replace fluid loss.  Cool, nonalcoholic beverages are needed to increase fluid intake regardless of activity level.  A sport beverage can replace the salt and minerals lost from perspiration, alternate with a non-sodium rich beverage.  Those individuals on a low-salt diet should contact the physician before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets. If you or your loved one is prescribed fluid restrictions because of a medical condition, contact the physician for further advice. Alcohol or heavily sugared drinks actually increase the loss of body fluids.  Extremely cold beverages may cause stomach cramps.  
• Dress down.  Wear as little clothing as possible--lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting. 
• Travel smart.  Never leave children, elderly individuals, those with disabilities and pets in parked cars for any length of time.  Automobiles heat up very quickly and the temperatures can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes.  Always have fresh beverages available on your summertime journeys. 
• Check in on relatives and neighbors. The creation of a twice-a-day telephone or check-in buddy system with those who live alone and are more prone to heat-related problems is very crucial to the safety of loved ones and community members.