How to Handle Extreme Heat
Scorching temperatures in many parts of the nation are a reminder that sky-high mercury levels are not only uncomfortable — they can be dangerous.
On The Early Show Monday, medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explained that we function best when we maintain a body temperature of about 98-point-6 degrees Fahrenheit.
That's usually not too difficult for our bodies to maintain in moderate temperatures, Senay observed. Even if we start getting a bit warm, a little perspiration is often all it takes to cool us back down.
But, once the weather starts getting hot, the body's temperature regulation system can become overloaded. When that happens, we start feeling the symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses.
Early signs include fatigue, thirst and heavy perspiration. Muscle cramps can develop if you've perspired so much that the salt you need to keep your muscles functioning has flowed out of your body with the sweat.
The next stage of heat-related illness, Senay continued, is a condition called heat exhaustion. That starts to happen when dehydration becomes more pronounced. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, and dizziness. In this stage, your skin can also begin to feel cool and clammy, and your urine can appear darker because your body lacks the fluids to maintain its usual color.
An even more worrisome form of heat-related illness is a serious, life-threatening condition called heat stroke.
Those symptoms include irrational behavior and extreme confusion. The person's breathing may be rapid and shallow. And their skin may have turned hot, dry, and unusually red. If you think you see someone who has heat stroke symptoms, you need to get them medical assistance immediately.
If heat illness has reached that point, Senay stressed, the person's brain and other vital organs might be severely damaged, or even shutting down. Once you know help is coming, you want to cool the person off as best you can: Put the person in the shade, or into air conditioning, and have him or her lie down, with the feet elevated slightly. Get cool water and apply it to the person's skin, either directly or with a cloth or sponge.
Senay noted that you definitely want to head off heat illness before symptoms become serious. One way is to make sure you're hydrated. Drink plenty of fluid, especially before, during and after strenuous physical activity. And avoid outdoor exercise in heat, humidity and strong sunshine. Also, leave more time for rest breaks than you might usually think is necessary. Light, loose-fitting clothing is also a good idea. So is staying inside, in air conditioning, as much as possible, especially if you're especially susceptible to heat-related illness.
Such people, Senay added, include those over 65 and children up to age 4; they have the most trouble regulating their body temperatures. People who are overweight are also at higher risk, as are those with chronic and serious medical conditions.
If you know people in these categories, especially if they live alone, high temperatures are a signal to you to check in on them, and make sure they're well, Senay said. She also warned that, especially as they progress, symptoms of heat illness can be debilitating, and susceptible people need special attention and assistance.
For more on heat-related illnesses, click on these links:
Medical Encyclopedia on heat emergencies
Safer Fun in Summer Sun, from the National Institutes of Health