Soaring temperatures can result in heat related illnesses

Summers can be brutal in Northwest Arkansas, with temperatures soaring into the 100° Fahrenheit range. When the outside temperatures are this extreme, it is important to follow some safety guidelines. Heat related illness can be a very serious matter with issues ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke.

The following are heat related illnesses and how to distinguish between them:

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Heat cramps are the least severe of heat related illnesses, but they are often the with the heat. If you are suffering from heat cramps, move to a cooler location and remove excess clothing. Drink cool sports drinks, but nothing with caffeine or alcohol as these will further dehydrate you. If you feel nauseated, discontinue liquids. If the cramps do not subside within an hour of treatment, or if you suffer from heart problems it is important to seek medical attention.

• Heat exhaustion occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, through heavy sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fainting. If not treated, the conditions will worsen. If experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, move to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing and cool down by either applying cool, wet cloths or taking a cool shower or bath. Much like with heat cramps, sips of water or a cool sports drink are recommended, while caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. If symptoms worsen, you’re unable to immediate medical attention.

• Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and is the most severe of the heat related illnesses. With a heat stroke, the temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Symptoms include extremely high body temperature above 103°F, hot dry red skin, rapid strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. If you are suffering symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately since delay can be fatal. If waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive, move to a cooler location and cool down by removing clothing and applying a cold, wet sheet. Unlike the other heat related illnesses, you do not want to intake any

The best way to avoid the risk of heat related illnesses during extreme heat is to avoid going outdoors altogether.

“If you don’t have to get out, then stay inside where it is cool,” stated Benton Management Michael Waddle. “It’s also really important to stay hydrated. You losing when you are out in the heat. If you do get out in the extreme heat, wear proper clothing.”

Living in Northwest Arkansas, it is important to familiarize yourself with extreme heat hazard terminology used by emergency weather services to be better prepared in the event of extreme heat. A “heat wave” is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. “Heat index” is a number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can potentially increase the heat index by 15 degrees. An “excessive heat watch” is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed a heat index of 110° F, or temperatures of 105° F or hotter in the next 24 to 72 hours. An “excessive heat warning” is issued when heat index values are forecast to meet or exceed 110° F, or temperatures of 105° F or hotter for at least 2 days. A “heat advisory” is issued when heat index values are expected to reach 105° F or hotter, or the temperature of 103° F or hotter.

It is also recommended to check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. By staying indoors, clothing, it is possible to beat the heat of Northwest Arkansas.