Scorching summer heat creates health concerns
Summertime heat can pose a danger to people who work and play outside so it’s important to recognize the signs of heat illness.
“We’re just now getting into the heat of summer,” said Dr. Matt Young, physician owner and medical director of Texarkana Emergency Center. “We’re not fully acclimated or adjusted and especially in our area with the humidity being near 100 percent many days it’s a problem. As we rise into the 90s and higher with temperatures and add the humidity into it … that definitely increases the chances of having a heat-related illness.”
Know what to watch out for when it comes to heat-related illness. Taking prompt corrective action can prevent the situation from becoming life-threatening or even deadly.
“With the first signs and symptoms of heat-related illness someone may start getting dizzy or light-headed and feel like they’re going to pass out. It can progress to having a headache and profuse sweating. That’s your body trying to tell you to take a break. At that time you need to seek fluid replacement, shade and rest,” Young said. “If shade isn’t doing it then you need to go inside somewhere and rest and relax.” Heat exhaustion comes next. “With heat exhaustion you can have increased dizziness, headache, passing out, lack of sweating. That’s when things are getting more serious. You can have a weak pulse. That’s your body definitely sending you a signal that you’re heading to the ultimate heat-related illness which is heat stroke,” Young said.
“With heat stroke you have more neurological-type symptoms such a regular stroke. The patient may pass out, have seizures. They may be unable to wake with an extremely high body temperature. Sweating will stop because the body has stopped being able to adjust to the heat. The body itself will start trying to shut down. Heat stroke always requires medical attention and heat exhaustion usually requires it as well.”
Young said it’s not uncommon to see several patients a day with heat stroke or heat exhaustion during this time of year.
“A lot of people may be out in it every day and for some reason and for some reason one day they may not be able to handle it. It’s important to make sure you hydrate at night. Even people enjoying themselves on the lake, four-wheeling and having family fun can run into issues if they aren’t taking in appropriate liquids,” he said.
Prevention is key to avoiding trouble with the heat.
“The best way to prevent it is to try to do our work during the cooler times of day, early in the morning or late in the evening,” Young said. “Also make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. Normally it’s recommended people drink eight 8-0unce glasses of water per day but during this time of year that can triply because of the amount of fluid we lose being out in the heat.”
Water is the optimum fluid to rehydrate with.
“Water is the best replacement but it can be mixed with one of the sports drinks,” Young said. “And make sure you’ve got some good protein or nutritious food that’s going to last, not sugary snacks.”
Prevention of heat illness isn’t only based on what a person puts in their body but also what they put on it.
“Make sure to where clothes that reflect the heat and don’t absorb it. Loose articles of clothing that breathe and are light in color are best. Also wear some type of hat that allows the body to breathe and not hold in heat,” Young said. “Heat is either dissipated or held in by our head so it’s important to cover it but also allow it to breathe.”
Young also recommended frequent breaks for people working or exercising on a hot day.
“If you’re doing something outside have a buddy system so someone knows that you’re performing an exercise or activity in the heat and they’ll know to check on you,” he added.
Being careful with alcohol is also recommended.
“Make sure if you’re going to have alcoholic beverages to do it in moderation. At this time of year it’s especially important to hydrate. If you drink 8-ounces of beer, also drink 8-ounces of water. And limit it to one drink per hour or their judgment will be altered and it also alters the way a person reacts to the heat. It will make our bodies more sensitive to illness,” Young said.