Now that June has arrived and springtime has led us into the summer months, we can all look for our weather to become more consistently hot and humid. While many of us welcome that news with open arms, we highly recommend that everyone remain cognizant of the weather dangers associated with this time of year.
In the coming days, we can expect to see temperatures often above 90 degrees, with high humidity levels, so it’s important to take steps to keep cool and healthy during this time of the year.
While it’s common for individuals to take precautions when the weather gets really hot during June, July, August and September, without taking the proper precautions, heatstroke or heat exhaustion may occur once temperatures hit 80 degrees or the humidity reaches above 75 percent.
Heatstroke is a condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures along with dehydration. That dangerous combination may cause the core body temperature to reach or exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, the situation becomes a medical emergency that may result in brain injury or possibly death.
It’s vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which can include a headache, confusion, delirium, slurred speech or seizures, an altered sweating pattern (either no sweat despite warm temperatures or sudden excessive sweating), nausea or vomiting, flushed skin, rapid, shallow breathing or a racing pulse. It’s important to note that children and the elderly are most susceptible to these conditions.
To prevent difficulties with the heat, we recommend the following:
• Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you normally would, and don’t let yourself get thirsty. When you begin to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.
• Air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness. If you do not have air conditioning, spend time at a nearby air-conditioned place such as a friend’s house or public facilities such as shopping malls or libraries.
• Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Avoid strenuous activities outside if possible. If you must participate in physical labor or activity outdoors, take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned space, and hydrate often with water and sports drinks.
• Protect against sunburn, which can affect the body’s ability to cool down. Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you will be outdoors, and reapply every two hours.
• Never leave a child, or anyone, in a car on a hot day, even if you crack a window. The internal temperature of a car can skyrocket 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes.
If you or someone you are with begins to experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911. You’ll also want to get to a shaded place, remove unnecessary clothing, cool the body by spraying with cool water and hydrate.
To learn more about heat-related injuries, contact your health care provider. If you do not have a primary health care provider, please call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Specialist Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington