According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. On average, more people die in the United States from excessive heat than from floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. It is very important to take precautions when the temperature rises. Be sure to pay attention to heat warnings in your area and learn how to protect yourself from excessive heat.
Health-related risks such as heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion are caused when the body is unable to cool itself down and are most prevalent during the hot summer months.
Heatstroke, which can be life-threatening, occurs when your body overheats, is unable to cool itself down, and reaches a temperature of 104º F or higher. There are two types of heatstroke: non-exertional heatstroke and exertional heatstroke. Non-exertional heatstroke is caused by exposure to a hot environment without any strenuous physical activity. Exertional heatstroke is brought on when the body overheats due to physical activity.
There are certain symptoms you may experience when suffering from heatstroke:
- High body temperature (104º F or higher)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Weak pulse
- Headache
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Hallucination
- Unconsciousness
Anyone can suffer from heatstroke. However, infants, people over the age of sixty-five, people who are overweight, and anyone who is sick or suffering from an illness are at a higher risk for suffering heatstroke. If you think someone is suffering from heatstroke, you should seek immediate medical attention as it can be life-threatening – call 9-1-1 immediately. Also, take action to cool down the overheated person by moving them to a shaded area, remove or loosen any excess or tight clothing, apply ice packs or damp cloths to their skin, and offer small amounts of water if the person is conscious.
Heat exhaustion is similar to heatstroke but is usually not life-threatening. A person who has heat exhaustion will experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, rapid pulse, muscle cramps, and nausea. If a person has heat exhaustion, get them into a shaded area, offer cold water, and administer ice pack on their head, neck, ankles, and armpits- these are very important because if left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke.
Tips on how to keep yourself safe during the hot months:
There are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe during the hot summer months: Pay close attention to the weather report for any heat wave warnings; be sure to keep an emergency pack of water, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable foods in a safe place (extreme heat waves can sometimes cause power outages, and you should be prepared for such an event); drink six to eight glasses of water a day; keep out of the sun for long periods of time; and only do outdoor activities in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
If you prefer to be outdoors a lot during the summertime, please be sure to take the following precautions:
- Wear sunscreen. Applying sunscreen regularly throughout the day can be one of the best ways to protect your skin from sunburn. Sunburned skin can lead to blisters, skin peeling, pain, and sometimes cancer. Be sure to protect your skin by applying a high-level SPF (SPF level of 15 or higher) sunscreen generously.
- Dress appropriately. If you need to be outdoors for long periods of time, wear light clothing, hats, and protective eye wear. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to supply extra shading for your face and neck. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
- Hydrate yourself. If you are going to be outside, be sure to keep yourself hydrated. Your body sweats to keep it naturally cool, but this also depletes your body of water and minerals. If you plan on doing any outdoor physical activities, drink two to four glasses of water each hour.
For more information on staying safe during excessive heat or for tips on avoiding heatstroke and heat exhaustion, please visit www.noaa.gov and www.cdc.gov.
This information is for educational purposes. Please consult your physician regarding any medical issues. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is committed to bringing trusted and quality home health, private care and hospice to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772-567-5551 or visit www.vnatc.com.
