Heat illness can be a serious health threat. As the outdoor temperatures heat up, so does your risk of heat illness. With the recent high temperatures in Iowa and more warm weather to come, the best defense is to stay cool.
Heat illness occurs when your body keeps in more heat than it loses and your temperature rises. You are at greater risk of getting it when you are: dehydrated, not used to working in the heat, in poor health, or prone to heat illness because you’ve had it before. The risk of heat illness increases with age, poor diet, overweight, insufficient liquid intake, poor physical condition, or when taking medication.
Several signs and symptoms are an indication of heat illness:
- Heat cramps are the most common and include severe muscle spasms in the back, stomach, arms, and legs, and are attributed to the loss of body salt and water during periods of heavy perspiration. Heat cramps typically occur after work or when relaxing.
- Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool or pale skin, nausea, headache, weakness, vomiting, and a fast pulse. Heat exhaustion is the result of the body’s internal temperature system being overworked, however, it is not completely shut down. This type of heat illness results from a loss of fluid through sweating and from not drinking enough fluids.
- Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat illness and can be life-threatening. High body temperature, absence of sweating, red and often dry skin, rapid breathing and pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or unconsciousness may indicate you have heat stroke. It is a result of a depleted supply of water and salt and may be mistaken for a heart attack.
Your two best defenses against the heat are getting out of the sun and finding a cool resting place when you start to overheat and drinking cool water (four 8-ounce cups per hour) throughout the day during hot weather.
If you need to be outside in the heat, wear loose, light colored clothing and a hat. Adapt to working in hot conditions gradually and avoid over-exerting yourself during peak temperature periods. Drink water frequently and avoid liquids with caffeine or alcohol.
If you are out in the heat this summer and do not have a cool place to go, you are welcome to come to the Boone County Hospital Atrium at 1015 Union Street in Boone during the daytime hours to cool-off. |