Staying hydrated, cool can prevent acute heat illness

Health officials warn people to stay inside during hottest parts of day

Health officials and first responders remind residents how important it is to stay cool and hydrated as summer heat settles across the area.

The American Red Cross reports that extreme heat causes more deaths each year than any other weather-related hazard.

In addition, the CDC reports that more than 65,000 people visit an emergency room in the U.S. for acute heat illnesses every summer.

"One of the most common dangers we have with heat is heat exhaustion," said Dr. James Meredith, St. Francis County Health Officer.

According to Meredith, the elderly, children and those on certain medications, such as antihistamines, are extremely susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Meredith said heat exhaustion typically occurs when people overexert themselves in a hot, humid place and body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.

The American Red Cross said this causes blood flow to the skin to increase, which causes blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. The result is a form of mild shock.

Forrest City Fire Department Chief Shane Dallas said signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion with a near normal body temperature.

"Feeling lethargic or weak, and sometimes it progresses beyond that," said Meredith.

"You look for heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache or fainting," said Dallas. "Once you expect heat exhaustion you need to move to a cool place, loosen your clothes, put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath and sip water."

Meredith recommends against taking ice baths due to the possibility of sending the body into a further stage of shock.

"Get medical help if you are throwing up or your symptoms last longer than one hour or get worse," said Dallas.

"Stop and rest and make sure you are well hydrated," added Meredith. "If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.”

Meredith explained that heat stroke shares some of the symptoms as heat exhaustion but also includes a sudden stop of sweating.

The American Red Cross states that a person's temperature-control system, which produces sweat as a way of cooling the body, stops working during a heat stroke. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Dallas added that people should look for high body temperatures of 103 degree Fahrenheit or higher, hot red dry or damp skin and a fast and strong pulse as well.

"You can also get dizziness, nausea, confusion or pass out," said Dallas, adding that anyone

suspecting heat stroke should call 911 immediately. "A heat stroke is a medical emergency.”

A person experiencing heat stroke should be moved to a cooler place and again have their body temperature lowered with cool clothes. However, the person should not be given anything to drink, according to Dallas.

The American Red Cross adds that the person should be kept lying down and watched for signs of breathing problems as well.

Another common heatrelated illness is cramps.

"Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity and loss of fluids," said Dallas. "Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat."

Dallas said those experiencing heat cramps should stop physical activity, move to a cool place and hydrate with water or a sports drink.

"Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity," said Dallas. "Get medical help if cramps last longer than one hour, if you are on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems."

There are several safety measures residents should also take during heat waves.

Mostly Meredith and Dallas suggest staying indoors in airconditioned environments during the hottest hours of the day.

"If you are outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun," said Dallas.

Meredith suggests wearing light-colored clothing when working outside in the heat. "Light-colored clothing will not absorb as much heat as darkcolored clothing," he said.

"Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing," adds Dallas. "Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.”

Dallas also suggests drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, even if not feeling thirsty, and to avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar. "These actually cause you to lose more body fluid," he said.

The city has opened cooling centers across town for those needing a place to get out of the heat.

The city cooling centers are at Forrest City City Hall, Forrest City Police Department lobby, Larry S. Bryant Multi-Purpose Center, Forrest City Public Library and the Forrest City Civic Center.

Each location will have cooling stations available only during normal business hours.