Full Notification

Heat related illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather.

Children and elderly people have a higher risk of developing heat related illnesses. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat related illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.

If the problem is not addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke, the most common of the three, can cause brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Heat emergencies are caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The following are common causes of heat emergencies:

• Dehydration
• Heart disease
• High temperatures or humidity
• Prolonged or excessive exercise
• Medications such as diuretics
• Too much clothing

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

As summer temperatures soar, we would like to remind you of the dangers of heat stroke to children left unattended in vehicles. Never leave children alone in a car – even for 1 minute.

Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, regardless of their activity level. Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.

Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.

Heat stroke is the most common serious heat-related illness. Call an ambulance immediately if a heat stroke is suspected. The victim’s life may be on the line! Until help arrives, move the victim to a cool area and remove excess clothing. Fan and spray them with cool water. Offer sips of water if the victim is conscious.

Summertime is a time for heat exhaustion and heat strokes not only in humans but also with pets. You need to be aware of the signs and learn how to prevent it from happening to your pet to keep them healthy. While animals do have a way to keep cool they still need shelter from the sun and a shady spot to help keep them cool. Water is the most important thing for your pets during the summer.

If you take your dog with you, do not lock them in the car while you go into the store. Even with the windows cracked open it will still get unbearable inside the car and the animal can die.

Protect yourself, neighbors and your pets during the hot summer months.

When it’s hot, drink plenty of water!