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What are they and how do they prevent them?
MCDONOUGH COUNTY – The recent heat wave may be over, but the summer still has the potential to increase heat to dangerously high numbers.
While the summer months are good for outdoor activities and festivals, warmer temperatures can trigger a number of concerns, such as heat-related illnesses, which can quickly spoil the pleasures of summer.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is overheated and can include illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat rashes, heat cramps and heat stroke putting life into danger. danger.
To help prevent heat-related illnesses, Kerri Allen, RN and Community Health Director of the McDonough County Department of Health, recommends drinking plenty of fluids, no matter how active they are. do not wait to be thirsty to drink; drink a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes due to heavy perspiration; wear light, light colored and loose clothing; and stay in an air-conditioned space as often as possible.
"If your home is not air conditioned, go to a public place, like a public library or shopping mall," Allen said. "You can call your local health department to find out if there are heat-resistant shelters in your area."
"Plus, electric fans can provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illnesses. A shower or a cool bath or a move to an air-conditioned place is a much better option for cooling off, "Allen said.
Domestic animals and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly should be closely monitored during the warmer months.
"Do not leave children in cars. Even with a window slightly open, cars can heat up quickly to dangerous temperatures, "Allen said. "While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, young children are at a much higher risk."
Heat exhaustion can cause heat stroke if left untreated. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale / cold or clammy skin, rapid and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, cramps muscle weakness, dizziness, headache and fainting.
In case of suspicion of heat exhaustion, the person must be brought inside in a cool room and sip of water. Clothes should be loose and cold clothes or a bath can be given. Ask for medical help if the person is vomiting, if his / her symptoms worsen or if the symptoms do not improve in the time.
Heat stroke may seem similar to heat exhaustion in that both have symptoms of nausea, dizziness, headaches and fainting. However, some more specific symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature of more than 103 degrees; skin hot, red, dry or wet; a fast and strong impulse; and confusion.
If a heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately as it is a medical emergency. While waiting for the emergency services, move the person to a cold room and try to lower the temperature of his body with cold cloths. Do not give them anything to drink.
Heat cramps usually occur in the main stressed muscles when an individual is physically active in a hot environment. They can be one of the first symptoms of a heat-related illness. Although they are painful, they are usually brief and not serious.
Symptoms include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle pain / spasms.
If a person is suffering from heat cramps, they should stop all physical activity and not resume until the heat cramps have dissipated. Individuals must also go to a cool room and drink plenty of water. Consult a doctor if cramps last more than an hour, if your diet is low in sodium or if you have heart problems.
A heat rash occurs when sweat becomes trapped under the skin instead of evaporating. It appears as red clusters of button-like blisters, which usually appear in the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases.
To treat the heat rash, move to a cool place and let the rash dry. A powder, such as baby powder, can be applied to soothe the rash.
"Generally, when it's going to be very hot, cooling centers will be open somewhere in town. For example, earlier this month, the Corbin and Olson University residences, as well as the University Union on the campus of Western Illinois University, were created as cooling centers, "said Allen. "You can usually find information shared through various media sources or on our Facebook page, the McDonough County Health Department."
Send an email to [email protected] for any comments or questions about this story.
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