July 21, 2004

As temperatures increase in Michigan, citizens are urged to take extra precautions to combat potential heat-related illnesses. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has issued the following tips and information to keep you, your family and friends safe this summer.

Excess heat can create extra stress for your body and mind. Very hot days with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s can cause your body temperature to rise. When your body temperature rises even one or two degrees above normal, you can experience muscle cramps, become weak, disoriented or dangerously ill.

To prevent symptoms of heat stress, adults and children should stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, even when you may not be thirsty. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can cause further dehydration and should be avoided during exposure to excessive heat.

Plan changes in your daily activities to avoid the time of day when the sun’s rays are strongest – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you must do work outdoors, take frequent breaks in cool areas.

Wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing will also help keep you cool during the hot summer days. Fabrics like cotton allow air to circulate through clothing and to your body and are a good choice for especially hot days.

It is a vitally important safety measure to be knowledgeable of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses usually come in stages, and range in severity from minor to life threatening. Though all citizens are at risk during the hot summer months, children are the elderly are particularly vulnerable. It is important to monitor the young and elderly for heat-related illnesses by checking on them frequently.

The first stage of heat-related illness is dehydration. When body fluids are lost by sweating and not replaced, dehydration occurs. Dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue and irritability are all symptoms of dehydration. If you suspect dehydration, follow these tips:

• Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Replace fluids by drinking water
• Consult a physician if symptoms persist or if there is an existing condition that could be complicated by increased fluid intake

Heat cramps are another indication of a potential heat emergency. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion and high body temperatures. These muscle cramps can be extremely painful and will often force a person to discontinue activity. To treat heat cramps, follow these tips:

• Seek shade or a cool, comfortable place
• Drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes
• Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold for about 20 seconds
• If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment

The next, more serious stage of heat-related illnesses is called heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost by sweating. This fluid loss can cause reduced blood flow to vital organs, which results in shock. Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, moist and pale skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. To treat heat exhaustion, follow these tips:

• Seek shade or a cool, comfortable place
• Drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes
• Remove or loosen any tight clothing
• Apply a cool, wet towel or compress
• If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment

Finally, heat stroke is the most severe stage of heat-related illness. A heat stroke, or also called sunstroke, is life threatening and immediate emergency medical attention is vital. During a heat stroke the body’s temperature control stops working and temperature can rise very quickly. Seek emergency treatment immediately if the follow symptoms are present:

• Vomiting
• Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness
• High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Another important concern for the summer months is the danger presented by skin cancer. Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause skin cancer or melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer. Skin cancer can occur year round, even in the winter.

To reduce your chance of skin cancer, reduce your exposure to the sun. It is important to always wear protective clothing that covers the body, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Apply the appropriate level of sunscreen liberally before going outdoors and reapply often and after swimming or sweating.

Though it is extremely serious and can be life threatening, most heat-related illness can be prevented by exercising caution and care. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is always best to consult a physician regarding any conditions you may have or prescription medications that might be sensitive to sun exposure.