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Home > Media Center > News Releases > Heat-related Illness
Detect and Prevent Heat-related Illnesses this Summer
NEWS RELEASE — July 9, 2008BUFFALO, NY — Participating in outdoor sports, doing yard work or spending a day at the beach are common summertime activities that can put families at risk for heat-related illnesses. When the thermostat goes up, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatments of these various illnesses.
“Heat-related illnesses come in stages,” says Jesenia Cruz, M.D., family medicine physician at Lifetime Health Medical Group. “Recognizing and treating symptoms before a person’s condition progresses to heat stroke is imperative, as that can be life-threatening.”
Cruz cites information from the American Red Cross about the most common heat-related illnesses:
- Heat Cramps- occur when the loss of water and salt through sweating causes muscle cramps or spasms, usually in the stomach or legs.
- Heat Exhaustion- occurs when you exercise or work in high temperatures and fluids are lost through heavy sweating. In the case of heat exhaustion, sweat does not evaporate as it should, and as a result, the body cannot cool properly. Symptoms include heavy sweating, flushed or red skin, headache, dizziness and nausea.
- Heat Stroke- occurs when the body’s temperature control system stops working. With heat stroke, body temperature can rise so high that brain damage or death may occur. Symptoms include vomiting, decreased alertness, high body temperature, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
Cruz suggests families follow these tips from the Red Cross to prevent heat-related illness:
- Stay hydrated- drink water or juice throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that will dehydrate you, including caffeine and alcohol.
- Slow down and take breaks- avoid tiring activities and take time out during physical activity to let yourself cool down.
- Dress for the heat- wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Dark colors attract the sun’s energy, while light colors reflect it.
- Eat small meals, more often- avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat.
Take off or loosen any tight clothes, and apply cool cloths to the victim. For heat cramps, the affected muscle can be gently stretched or massaged.
Heat stroke can be fatal, so act quickly! Call 911 or a local emergency number, and move the person to a cooler place and lay them down. Wrap wet sheets around the victim and place ice packs on their wrists, ankles, armpits and neck. Make sure the victim stays lying down.
Heat illnesses can strike virtually anyone, but the elderly, obese and young children are more susceptible. Cruz warns against leaving a child in the car during hot weather for any length of time. As short as 10 minutes can be fatal, she says.
More tips on heat-related illnesses and treatments can be found at www.redcross.org. Lifetime Health offers primary care at four health centers in the Buffalo area. For more information call 205-WELL.
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