This summer is already proving to be a hot one in Michigan. It has been in the high 80s and 90s quite a few different times. Although I love the heat, it is important to be careful out there. The sizzling summer days of July are obviously a good time to discuss heat-related illnesses and their warning signs, so here we go.
When we sweat in the warm weather, our body naturally cools
itself as the sweat evaporates. When the weather becomes extreme, it is
difficult for the sweat to evaporate. This causes our bodies to get too hot.
Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are
much hotter and/or humid than the average. People who are the most at risk are
older adults, infants, children, people who are overweight, people who
overexert during work or exercise, people with mental illnesses and those who
have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, respiratory conditions and heart
disease. Even young, healthy people can be affected during the hot weather if
they participate in strenuous activities.
According to the CDC, there are 4 different types of
heat-related illnesses:
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Heat rash is caused by excessive sweating during hot,
humid weather causing a skin irritation. Keep the rash area dry, apply powder (like
baby powder) to increase comfort to sooth the rash and stay in a cooler
environment. It most commonly affects young children.
Symptoms include:
- Red clusters of pimples or small blisters on the neck, chest, groin, under the breasts and elbow creases
Heat cramps affect people who sweat a lot during
strenuous activity. Low levels of salt in muscles and loss of fluids causes
painful cramps. It can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Have water to
drink and a snack or drink (such as a sports drink) to replace carbohydrates
and electrolytes. No caffeine or alcohol please. Stop the activity and go to a
cool place to rest. Get medical help if the cramps don’t subside in an hour.
Symptoms include:
- Muscles cramps, pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to a loss of
water and salt through excessive sweating. It is most likely to affect the
elderly, those working in a hot environment, and people who have high blood
pressure. Treatment includes rest, a cool shower or bath, air-conditioning,
drinking cool, non-alcoholic drinks such as sports drinks.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Heavy sweating
- Thirst
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat-related
illnesses. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature,
usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high
temperatures. The body’s temperature rises quickly, it is unable to sweat and
unable to cool down. The body temperature can rise to 104 degrees in a short
period of time and usually happens in the summer months. It can be caused by
simply being in the hot weather or too much strenuous activity in hot weather. Heat
stroke can cause disability or death if emergency treatment isn’t received in
time. Call 911, get the person indoors or into shade, remove excess clothing
and cool them however you can.
Symptoms include:
- High body temperature
- Confusion, altered mental state, slurred speech, seizures, dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Fast pulse
- Headache
Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed when it is hot
outside.
- If you have air conditioning at your home or office, stay inside as much as possible
- If you don’t have air conditioning, sit in the basement. You could also go to a shopping mall or library even for a few hours to help yourself cool down.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Don’t engage in strenuous activities in the heat
- Take a cool shower or bath
- Do necessary outside activities earlier in the day or later in the evening
- Take breaks when working outside and sit in the shade
- Avoid exercising and being outside during the hottest part of the day
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Put on a sunscreen of SPF 30 before going out
- Keep informed of the weather in your area for heat alerts and safety tips
- Drink lots of fluids
- Stay away from sugary or alcoholic drinks
- Avoid hot and heavy meals
- Take care of your pets. Always make sure they have cool water to drink. During extreme days, don’t let them stay outside for very long.
- DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A PARKED CAR EVEN WITH THE WINDOWS CRACKED
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. Once the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front seat with the driver.
- When leaving your car, check to make sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook sleeping children.
It is important to use common sense when we are in a heat
wave to protect ourselves and our families. Let’s enjoy the glorious warm
weather of summer while we can. Take advantage of the longer days to spend more
time with your family and do something fun outdoors. Stay cool and have a happy
and healthy summer!
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
