The Peoria City/County Health Department is reminding the public about the risk of extremely hot weather which can cause serious health problems for everyone.
Peoria City/County health Department Administrator Greg Chance says, “With extremely high temperatures expected in our region, it is important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness.”
Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. If sweating is not enough to maintain the body’s normal temperature, blood chemistry can change and internal organs including the brain and kidneys can be damaged. Heat also can be stressful if the temperature changes suddenly, since it usually takes several days for the body to adjust to heat.
The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most serious conditions. Heat exhaustion can result when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte (salt and minerals) replacement. This can occur either indoors or outdoors, with or without exercise.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy sweating.
Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke can result from overexposure to direct sunlight, with or without physical activity, or to very high indoor temperatures. It can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Symptoms of heatstroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); red, hot and dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency. If a person has the symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.
To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather, take the following measures:
• Try to keep cool during extremely high temperature.
• Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned).
• Limit outdoor activities.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids (like water) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they cause you to lose more body fluids.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
• Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself.
• Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
• Take care of your pets. Give extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.
Chance adds a special caution for children, “Use common sense. Heat related injuries may develop with or without feelings of discomfort. Young children, particularly infants, are extremely sensitive to heat and can easily become dehydrated (lose more body fluids than usual) from high air temperatures. To help avoid dehydration during extremely hot weather, adults should make sure children drink plenty of fluids. Young children should be kept out of direct sunlight.”
For more information on heat-related illness, please contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at (309) 679-6131. For more information on other public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.