Beating summer’s “silent killer”

Summer is in full swing and you have probably been feeling it since May. As the temperature rises, so does the need to take precautions and prevent heat-related problems. On average, 350 heat-related deaths occur each year according to the Center for Disease Control. Unlike floods and tornadoes, the deadly damage caused by heat is often unrecognized because of its silent nature. High temperatures and heat-related issues makes heat the biggest summertime weather hazard.

The human body has a built-in system for maintaining temperature. Varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, sweating and even panting all serve to help maintain an average body temperature of 98.6 degrees. About 90 percent of the body’s heat will be dissipated through the skin. As the blood is circulated closer to the skin’s surface allowing the heat to release, water is diffused through the skin as perspiration. If the water is able to evaporate off the skin, we experience a cooling effect. Unfortunately, the “dog days” of summer often make it where the body’s natural defenses are ineffective.

Throughout the summer, the National Weather Service will issue alerts to raise awareness of extreme heat conditions. One measure used is the heat index value. Based on a table using relative humidity and temperature, the heat index measures how hot the weather “feels” to the body. This number can be useful when planning outside activities, but it is important to keep in mind that the value is based on shady locations only. Full sunshine can increase that number as much as 15 degrees. Add hot, dry air temperatures and strong winds and you get weather conditions that lead to heat disorders.

Heat disorders are particularly dangerous for people in high risk groups, but all ages can be affected. When the body is unable to remove heat or when the loss of fluids and salt are not compensated, the temperature of the body’s inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness can occur. Sunburn and heat cramps can be very painful, but unless symptoms are extreme, a doctor’s care is usually not required. Heat exhaustion symptoms include cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, but body temperature will be near normal. Take the person experiencing heat exhaustion to a cool place, give water and monitor his/her condition. When in doubt, call 9-1-1. If the person’s body temperature is allowed to continue rising, the victim’s condition will worsen and possibly lead to heat stroke.

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature control system stops working. Signals include hot, red and dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, rapid, shallow breathing, very high body temperature, dilated pupils, decreased blood pressure, increasing dizziness and weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and mental confusion. Call 911. Move the person to a cool place and begin cooling the body while keeping him/her lying down.

While the dangers of summertime heat are very real, here are a few tips for increasing your heat safety:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages.

• Stay inside during the heat of the day.

• Dress for the weather — lightweight light-colored clothing and hats and sunglasses.

• Sunscreen — wear it and apply it often.

Don’t forget your pets are affected by the heat and provide them with shade and cool water.

Be sure to check on the elderly, infants, young children and people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. They are more vulnerable to the effects of heat. For more information, you may contact Alison Crane, county extension agent – family and consumer sciences, at the Garland County Extension office, 501623-6841, or email her at acrane@uaex.edu.

EHC

Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? For information, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane.

Master Gardeners

If interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like information, the public is welcome to attend their meetings on the third Thursday of each month; call the Extension Office; or email abates@uaex.edu. 4-H

There are 4-H clubs for Garland County youths 5 to 19 years old. For information, call the Extension Office or email Linda Bates at lbates@uaex.edu.