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July 19, 2011
July 19, 2011
With temperatures climbing into the 90s this week and some communities experiencing heat advisories, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is advising residents of the health risks associated with extreme temperatures and preventive measures they can take to stay safe.
Any time temperatures are in the upper 80s and above, they can cause body temperature to rise. This can result in in muscle cramps, dizziness, severe heat illness and even death.
"The elderly and young children are especially vulnerable when it comes to the effects of extreme heat," said Olga Dazzo, director of the MDCH. "It's a good idea to check frequently on loved ones, neighbors and friends who may be at greater risk for heat illness."
Heat illness can occur when the body is unable to cool down. The body normally cools down by sweating. During extremely hot weather, sweating may not be enough to cool the body. That's when people can become overheated to the point of becoming ill.
"People should drink water frequently - even when they may not be thirsty - in order to stay hydrated," said Dr. Dean Sienko, interim chief medical executive for the MDCH. "They also should avoid alcohol and caffeine because both can cause dehydration, the first stage of heat-related illness."
Avoid Heat Illness
- Stay cool. Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as a basement, neighbor's house, shopping mall or cooling center. Spending even a few hours a day in air conditioning can help reduce your risk for heat illness.
- Use a fan only when the windows are open or the air conditioner is on. Fans will not prevent heat illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Keep shades and curtains closed to block the sun from coming in your home or office.
- Avoid exercising and physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Mornings and evenings are usually cooler than mid-day.
- Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear thin and light-colored clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen (at least SPF15) and reapply every two hours, after swimming or exercising.
- Check on family members, neighbors and friends at least once a day. Move them to a cool place if necessary.
- Never, ever leave children, the elderly or pets in parked vehicles. Vehicles heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the first stage of heat-related illness. Dehydration occurs when body fluids are lost, and not replaced, by sweating.
Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue and irritability.
If you are experiencing dehydration, move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, replace fluids by drinking water, and consult a physician if symptoms persist or if there is an existing condition that could be complicated by increased fluid intake.
Heat Exhaustion
The next, more serious stage of heat-related illness is 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 exhaustion, seek shade or a cool place. Drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes, remove or loosen any tight clothing, and apply a cool, wet towel or compress. Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, so if symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe stage of heat-related illness. A heat stroke, also called sunstroke, can be deadly.
Symptoms include vomiting, decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness, high body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit) or red, hot, and dry skin with a rapid, weak pulse.
Call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down. If possible, put them in a tub of cool water or shower them with a garden hose.