HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXTREME HEAT

Extreme heat kills more Americans each year than floods, lightening, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat taxes the human body beyond its abilities to function properly and can cause sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions such as heart or respiratory problems. Children, infants, and the elderly are especially susceptible to heat.

Extreme heat occurs when an air mass stalls over a region. The temperature and often the humidity build to unhealthy levels for days on end, explains the National Weather Service. Humidity reduces your body’s natural cooling mechanism, the evaporation of moisture or sweat from your skin. Thus, the higher the humidity, the hotter a temperature feels to your body.

City residents are particularly vulnerable to high heat conditions. When strong sunlight hits brick and stone, surfaces warm to temperatures even higher than the air. The heat radiates back at night, so the city does not cool down. Ironically, northern cities sometimes fare worse because citizens and governments are not prepared for it and can be caught off guard.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR BEATING THE HEAT

1. Limit your exposure to high temperatures and strong sun; do strenuous activities in the cooler periods of morning and evening.

2. Have a place to cool down, whether at home, a local library or shopping mall, or an emergency government-cooling center. Your body needs that cool break.

3. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Alcohol and caffeine won’t do the trick; they dehydrate body tissue.

4. Eat small amounts of food and cut back on proteins that can increase metabolic heat.

5. Do NOT take salt tablets unless your physician advises you to do so. The salt in your diet and in processed foods should be adequate.

6. Do NOT leave children or pets in a closed car. Temperatures can soar to killer levels within just a few minutes in a car that is in the sun.

7. Take showers to cool down and use soap to remove skin oils that can block pores and hinder the natural cooling process of sweating.

8. Use awnings, draperies, and blinds to keep direct sunlight from heating up the interior of your home. Storm windows can provide insulation from summer heat as well as winter cold.

9. Check on the elderly and those with health problems to make sure they are okay.

10.Be aware of ozone and air pollution advisories, which tend to worsen as temperatures rise. Avoid outdoor activity when ozone levels are high.

TREATMENT OF COMMON HEAT DISORDERS

Severe Sunburn: Sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to release excess heat, making the body more susceptible to heat-related illness. Infants and children are particularly susceptible. Always apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. To treat sunburn, apply cool bath or compresses several times a day and use a soothing lotion. Do not apply petroleum-based ointments.

Dehydration: Exposure to direct sunlight and temperatures in excess of 90° F can cause a person to lose as much as half a gallon of water every ten minutes. In regions of low humidity, the most common human response to extreme heat is dehydration.

Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms, usually in the gut or legs, due to heavy exertion. It’s the result of losing too much fluid through heavy sweating.

To treat these conditions, give sips of water, but stop if the person feels nauseous. Firm pressure or a gentle massage can help ease muscle spasms. Stay in a cool place and drink fluids.

Heat Exhaustion: Your body tries to throw off internal heat through heavy sweating and by moving blood to your skin. It pulls blood away from vital internal organs, including your brain, and leaves you dizzy. Lay the person down and apply cool, wet cloths. Again, offer water in small amounts. If there is vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

Heatstroke/Sunstroke: The body’s cooling mechanisms become so overworked that they stop functioning. You stop sweating and internal body temperature rises to dangerous levels. This situation can be life threatening. Call immediately for medical assistance. While waiting, try to reduce body temperature with air conditioning, fans, or a cool bath. Do not give liquids, advises the American Red Cross.

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