It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know it’s been quite hot lately and the humidity can make the coolest person feel uncomfortable. Actually, uncomfortable is an understatement. The extreme heat can kill and the Arkansas Department of Health warns citizens about the real dangers of the sultry summer. If you don’t want to become a statistic, you might want to keep in mind the warnings and suggestions of the ADH.
In a recent press release, the ADH informed people what to look for when out in the severe conditions.
In the release James Phillips, MD, Infectious Disease Branch Chief, said, “It is very important for people to learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Sometimes we don’t realize how serious this can be until it’s too late. We need to learn to watch out for each other when the temperature and humidity get high and stay there for several days or more. It is very important to stay well-hydrated and to get out of the sun and rest regularly when you are working and playing.”
The ADH said, “hot, humid weather can be very dangerous, even if you don’t go outside at all. While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are the most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone - even strong, healthy athletes can be stricken.”
Staying cool with the high humidity we have had and will continue to have in Cleburne County is difficult. ADH said with the high humidity it is more difficult for the body to cool itself because it can’t release heat quickly enough. “Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
“Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through the skin via perspiration and evaporation. Problems occur when we are unable to shed excess heat. When our heat gain exceeds the amount we can get rid of, our temperature begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.”
“The body has an internal thermostat that is designed to help it maintain proper body temperatures. However, sometimes extreme heat can cause the thermostat to malfunction, which can result a serious situation.”
The following are conditions the ADH and area doctors say to be watchful for:
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Although heat rash occurs because of exposure to extreme heat, treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. Other heat-related problems such as those listed below can be much more severe.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat heavily during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt, magnesium, and water. The low salt and magnesium levels in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop in exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Heat-Related Deaths Most heat-related deaths occur when high temperatures overcome the body's natural ability to cope with heat. The elderly, very young children and persons with chronic medical conditions (especially cardiovascular disease) are at highest risk.
Those who work, exercise or participate in strenuous activity, such as football practice, for an hour or more during intense heat may lose or sweat up to two quarts of water. If you must pursue intense activity during hot weather, follow these safety tips.
Drink plenty of water; fluid replacement is crucial to avoid heat risks. Drink more water than usual before exercising or working in the heat. (If you are elderly or taking medication, ask your doctor about fluid intake recommendations.)
Lastly, the ADH says, “schedule your strenuous activity during the coolest time of the day. Monitor how you feel. If you have difficulty maintaining your regular pace, slow down.”
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It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know it’s been quite hot lately and the humidity can make the coolest person feel uncomfortable. Actually, uncomfortable is an understatement. The extreme heat can kill and the Arkansas Department of Health warns citizens about the real dangers of the sultry summer. If you don’t want to become a statistic, you might want to keep in mind the warnings and suggestions of the ADH.
In a recent press release, the ADH informed people what to look for when out in the severe conditions.
In the release James Phillips, MD, Infectious Disease Branch Chief, said, “It is very important for people to learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Sometimes we don’t realize how serious this can be until it’s too late. We need to learn to watch out for each other when the temperature and humidity get high and stay there for several days or more. It is very important to stay well-hydrated and to get out of the sun and rest regularly when you are working and playing.”
The ADH said, “hot, humid weather can be very dangerous, even if you don’t go outside at all. While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are the most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone - even strong, healthy athletes can be stricken.”
Staying cool with the high humidity we have had and will continue to have in Cleburne County is difficult. ADH said with the high humidity it is more difficult for the body to cool itself because it can’t release heat quickly enough. “Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
“Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through the skin via perspiration and evaporation. Problems occur when we are unable to shed excess heat. When our heat gain exceeds the amount we can get rid of, our temperature begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.”
“The body has an internal thermostat that is designed to help it maintain proper body temperatures. However, sometimes extreme heat can cause the thermostat to malfunction, which can result a serious situation.”
The following are conditions the ADH and area doctors say to be watchful for:
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Although heat rash occurs because of exposure to extreme heat, treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. Other heat-related problems such as those listed below can be much more severe.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat heavily during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt, magnesium, and water. The low salt and magnesium levels in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop in exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Heat-Related Deaths Most heat-related deaths occur when high temperatures overcome the body's natural ability to cope with heat. The elderly, very young children and persons with chronic medical conditions (especially cardiovascular disease) are at highest risk.
Those who work, exercise or participate in strenuous activity, such as football practice, for an hour or more during intense heat may lose or sweat up to two quarts of water. If you must pursue intense activity during hot weather, follow these safety tips.
Drink plenty of water; fluid replacement is crucial to avoid heat risks. Drink more water than usual before exercising or working in the heat. (If you are elderly or taking medication, ask your doctor about fluid intake recommendations.)
Lastly, the ADH says, “schedule your strenuous activity during the coolest time of the day. Monitor how you feel. If you have difficulty maintaining your regular pace, slow down.”
