FORT SILL, Okla. (July 10, 2014) -- Oklahoma's traditional hot summer weather is now at hand. Temperatures in the high 90s and above will now be the norm until fall. Beyond the discomforts of summer weather, there are also increased health risks from extreme heat.
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, yet each year many people die from extreme heat. From 1979 to 2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States - more deaths than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Elderly people (65 years and older), infants, children and people with chronic medical conditions are most prone to heat stress.
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, stay home in air-conditioned spaces, or spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, theaters, public libraries or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
Extreme heat conditions are defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average at that time of year. Extremely dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when there is a long period without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, fever, poor circulation, sunburn, prescription drug and alcohol use.
During hot weather, you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Drink cool beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise during extreme periods of heat, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose through sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
If you must be outdoors, protect yourself from the sun. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Also wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat (which will also keep you cooler). Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin, so apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
During periods of extreme heat, anyone can suffer from heat-related illness. However, there are some people who are at greater risk than others:
- Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. Also apply a sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- Overweight people are more prone to heat sickness because their bodies retain more heat than others.
- People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
- People who have physical illnesses, especially heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications for depression, insomnia or poor circulation may be affected by extreme heat.
- Check on individuals at risk at least twice a day, and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are slightly open.
- When leaving your car, make sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook children who have fallen asleep in the car.
- Keep pets indoors. If that is not possible, keep plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
Stay informed during extreme heat conditions by listening to local news and weather channels. You can also contact your local public health department for health and safety updates.
(Some information for this article was gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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