You don’t have to watch the news to know we are experiencing an extremely hot summer. Just step outside and you can feel excessive heat and humidity. Some people like this weather, while others prefer the temperature a little cooler. Whatever your preference, be aware that getting too hot can make you sick.

 

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded and cannot properly cool off. The body normally cools itself by perspiring, but when the humidity is high, perspiration will not evaporate as quickly which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as needed. Other factors affecting your body’s ability to cool itself include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and alcohol use.

 

People who are at the greatest risk of getting ill are the elderly, the very young, individuals with mental illness or chronic diseases, and those on certain medications. Engaging in strenuous physical activities outside during hot weather can place even young, healthy people in jeopardy.

 

Three heat related disorders are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are muscle cramps that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot deplete their body’s salt and moisture which causes painful cramps. Should you experience heat cramps, stop all activity, drink clear juice or sports drink and seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside in one hour.

 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak rapid pulse, low blood pressure upon standing, muscle cramps, nausea and headache. If you are exhibiting these symptoms, stop all activity and rest, try to cool yourself and drink cool water or sports drinks. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour.

 

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when you body temperature reaches 104 degrees F or higher. Warning signs of a heat stroke vary but may include an extremely high body temperature, flushed skin, body’s failure to sweat, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms seek immediate medical assistance.

 

To help prevent any heat-related illness when it is hot, remember to wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing and sunscreen. Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day. Drink plenty of fluids, replacing salt and minerals. Take precautions with certain medications and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

 

If you have additional questions, or need assistance identifying medications that can affect your body’s ability to respond to heat, please contact Steve Adkins or Jennifer Pippin.