Information you need to know!
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Yup, it sure is hot.
Too hot to cook. Too hot to clean. Too hot to do much of anything.
We may complain about the heat, but these high temperatures can be dangerous for anyone. Particularly at risk are kids, the elderly, anyone with a chronic condition such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, overweight people, athletes, and those who work outside or in hot areas. Also, certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure and heart medicines, diet pills, antidepressants and water pills affect how the body deals with the heat.
Most of us are at risk for a heat-related illness with the extreme temperatures we've been experiencing over the past few days.
That's why it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of the big three high temperature illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. There may be a progression from one to the next, so catching the signs early can literally be a lifesaver.
Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms caused by exertion such as exercise or physically challenging work. The abdominal and leg muscles are typically affected. If someone is suffering from heat cramps, they should be brought to a cool area and slowly given water to rehydrate.
Heat exhaustion is brought on when the body is unable to effectively cool itself. Often there is profuse sweating. Other symptoms include pale or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness and weakness. Someone with these symptoms should be moved to a cool place and encouraged to slowly drink water. If they are not feeling better within 30 minutes, contact a doctor or emergency personnel.
The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. This is a life threatening condition in which the body’s temperature control system stops working. The symptoms of heat stroke include hot, red skin, constricted (small) pupils and a high body temperature. If you suspect heat stroke, call an ambulance. Brain damage and/or death can occur if the body is not cooled quickly enough. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel while waiting for paramedics. This may include cooling the body quickly with a cool bath or fans and treating for shock.
The American Red Cross has a safety check list for this kind of weather. Print a copy off and review it, the information could save a life.
How to deal with heat related illnessesWith warmer weather comes increased risk of heat-related illnesses -- heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke -- which can occur when the body doesn't cool properly or enough.
Although a mild form of heat-related illness, heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that usually occur in the legs and abdomen, according to the American Red Cross.
Heat exhaustion is a moderate illness in which the patient's skin is cool, moist, pale, flushed or ashen; headache, nausea and dizziness plus weakness and exhaustion also occur.
Treatment for both heat cramps and heat exhaustion includes moving a person to a cooler place and providing cool water to drink.
Heat stroke, however, is life-threatening and causes a change in consciousness. Victims also suffer a high body temperature; red, hot skin that's either dry or moist; rapid or weak pulse and rapid or shallow breathing. If someone has symptoms of heat stroke, call 911.
If you're not sure it is better to call 911 and have the person checked out.
