Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads would like to remind you that while summer is a time of sun and fun, it can also be a dangerous time as temperatures rise higher.
According to a National Health Statistics report, about 250 people die in the U.S. every year from exposure to excessive heat. Heat-related illnesses can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. Your body is constantly in a struggle to disperse the heat it produces? Most of the time, you're hardly aware of it – unless your body is exposed to more heat than it can handle.
There are several heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke (the most severe), heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Those most at risk include:
- Infants and young children
- Elderly people
- Pets
- Individuals with heart or circulatory problems or other long-term illness
- People who work outdoors
- Athletes and people who like to exercise – especially beginners
- Individuals taking medications that alter sweat production
- Alcoholics and drug abusers
Heat cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms that usually affect the legs or abdominal muscles, often after physical activity. Excessive sweating reduces salt levels in the body, which can result in heat cramps.
Workers or athletes with pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs should not return to work for a few hours. Instead:
- Sit or lie down in the shade.
- Drink cool water or a sports drink.
- Stretch affected muscles.
- Seek medical attention if you have heart problems or if the cramps don't get better in an hour.
Heat Exhaustion
When the body loses an excessive amount of salt and water, heat exhaustion can set in. People who work outdoors and athletes are particularly susceptible.
Symptoms are similar to those of the flu and can include severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, diarrhea. Other symptoms include profuse sweating, clammy or pale skin, dizziness, rapid pulse and normal or slightly elevated body temperature.
Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke, so make sure to treat the victim quickly.
- Move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area
- Give them water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
- Apply wet towels or having them take a cool shower
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can occur when the ability to sweat fails and body temperature rises quickly. The brain and vital organs are effectively "cooked" as body temperature rises to a dangerous level in a matter of minutes. Heatstroke is often fatal, and those who do survive may have permanent damage to their organs.
Someone experiencing heatstroke will have extremely hot skin, and an altered mental state, ranging from slight confusion to coma. Seizures also can result. Ridding the body of excess heat is crucial for survival.
- Move the person into a half-sitting position in the shade
- Call for emergency medical help immediately
- If humidity is below 75%, spray the victim with water and fan them vigorously; if humidity is above 75%, apply ice to neck, armpits or groin
- Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen
- Do not give the victim anything to drink
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers
more information on heat-related illness in this FAQ.
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. Air conditioning is the best way to cool off, according to the CDC. Also:
- Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
- Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
- Avoid time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
- Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS
Yes, dogs and cats can get heatstroke too. Heatstroke (or hyperthermia) happens when an animal, particularly a dog, overheats. Body temperatures of 102°F and greater usually bring with them the onset of heatstroke.
Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs
Knowing the signs of heatstroke and being observant of your pet while outside is critical. Signs of heatstroke include, collapsing or fainting, uncontrolled diarrhea or vomiting, excessive panting, an increased heart rate that you can feel just by touch or profuse salivation.
If you see any of these things, get your dog to drink some water and get him somewhere cool immediately. Cover him with cool, wet towels and aim a fan at him. Take his temperature and make sure it stays below 104°F. After any incident of heatstroke, your dog (or any pet) should see their vet as soon as possible.
How Do You Prevent Heat Stroke In Dogs?
Never leave a pet in a hot car, not even for a few minutes. On a day where the outside temperature is 90°F, the temperature inside the car will rise to 120° within about five minutes, and a scorching 160°F within about 20 minutes, whether you “crack the windows” or not.
If you and your pet are going to be outside for long periods, make sure water is always available and that there is somewhere they can take shelter from direct sunlight.
A doghouse in a shady spot is ideal. You can also provide a picnic table or canopy that a dog can slip under to cool off.
Never douse an overheated dog with cold water; it could send them into shock. However, an occasional spritz from a spray bottle full of ice water will be very much appreciated on a hot day, and help regulate body temperature.