As temperatures soar, take steps to avoid dangerous heat-related illness

ALBANY – Those who have been to Southwest Georgia in the summer know that, in addition to the near triple-digit temperatures, there is a humidity factor that can compromise a person’s health just as much as the heat.

Recognizing and responding promptly to warning signs of a heat-related illness can potentially save a life. It’s something to keep in mind this week, with daily highs predicted to reach the mid- to upper 90s.

“Heat-related illness could happen with anyone, particularly with the very young and aged and those with chronic illnesses,” said Southwest Public Health District Director Dr. Charles Ruis. “In the middle of the day, it could be a problem for anyone.”

Dr. Christine Braud, an emergency medicine physician at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, said she has seen two elderly adults suffering from heat-related illness since the summer season began.

“In southern Georgia (the problem) is very significant,” she said. “There are households that don’t have air conditioning or are trying to save money and not running the air conditioning, and it can compromise health.”

Ruis said the health concerns heat can pose range from mild dehydration to heat stroke. The humidity poses an added threat because high humidity will result in sweat not evaporating as readily, which means the body cannot regulate its temperature as well.

Sweat when it evaporates “carries the heat away rapidly,” he said. “In high humidity, there is nowhere for the heat to go.”

Hot weather is not something to be taken lightly. The National Weather Service, studying statistics from 2000-2009, found that on average more people, 162, died annually from heat illnesses than from hurricanes (117), floods (65), tornadoes (62) and lightning (48).

The recommendations to prevent heat-related illness are:

— Drink more fluids, specifically clear liquids. Don’t wait until thirst sets in, or until high activity periods;

— Avoid liquids containing alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar because of increased risk of fluid loss, and cold drinks because of increased risk of cramps;

— Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned place. Those who do not live in a place with air conditioning should spend time in a public place with climate control during the warmest part of the day;

— Check with public health officials to see if heat-relief shelters are available;

— Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;

— Never leave anyone in a closed and parked vehicle. Even with a window cracked open, the consequences could be tragic if the individual is left inside long enough.

“Any living being should not be left in the car,” Braud said.

A Stanford University study in 2005 found that, regardless of ambient temperature, the inside of an auto will heat up an average of 40 degrees within an hour, adding bout 32 degrees of that extra heat within the first half-hour. Even on a relatively cool day, the inside of a vehicle can reach 110 degrees, while on an already hot day, it can surpass 135 degrees.

The heat spike comes from a a greenhouse effect as sunlight enters through the windows of a vehicle and heats the air trapped inside. The Stanford study also found that partially opening a window had no significant affect on how much hotter the auto got or how quickly, while leaving the air conditioning on in a parked car only delayed the heat spike by about five minutes.

Braud said those frequently working outside are those seen in the emergency department most often. Children cannot articulate when they are in danger, and the neurological input for thirst is weaker in the elderly — which is why they are often susceptible.

“If you are able to get to fluids and air conditioning and still don’t feel better, you need to come in,” she said. “It you pass out, or (have a compromised) mental state, you need to come in.”

Electric fans can help to circulate air for comfort, but do not provide enough protection against heat-related illness when the temperatures reach the high 90s, so it is recommended to stick with a cool shower or bath — or air conditioning — to prevent a health problem.

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. When exercise is necessary, drink two or four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids — and rest often in shady areas. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and put on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Look for “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on sunscreen labels, and remove excessive clothing.

It is also recommended to carry around extra fluids for the elderly and very young.

When a person is suffering from heat stroke, the body is no longer able to cool itself. The symptoms include:

— Body temperature of 103 Fahrenheit or higher;

— Red, hot and dry skin with no sweating;

— Rapid, strong pulse;

— Throbbing headache;

— Dizziness;

— Nausea;

— Confusion;

— Unconsciousness.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause brain damage or death, so after calling the paramedics, it is recommended to get the person out of the sun and to cool him of her by whatever means available. It differs from heat exhaustion, which typically leads to weakness, cramps and fatigue and can be helped with simple first aid rather than a hospital visit.