Heat Stress
Just as extreme cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses.
Prolonged temperatures of 90°F or above, accompanied by high humidity, can cause the body’s temperature to rise and place a strain on the heart and blood vessels—the most important parts of the body’s natural cooling system. This heat stress can result in serious illness, heart failure or a stroke.
Hot and humid weather leaves most people feeling uncomfortable, often with a loss of energy and appetite. These are mild signs of heat stress, and unless they get worse or last for many days, there is no need to become overly concerned. There are other, more serious signs that heat stress might become a threat to health, including:
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
- Dry skin (no sweating)
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Overwhelming weakness
- Problems with breathing
- Cramps
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should call a doctor at once and seek medical help.
Certain physical conditions can have an affect on the body’s cooling system and leave a person open to heat stroke. These include:
- Heart problems
- Hypertension
- Poor circulation
- Diabetes
- A previous stroke
- Being overweight
- Infection or fever
- Diarrhea
- Skin diseases
- Severe sunburn
Prescription drugs such as those for high blood pressure, nervousness, depression and poor circulation can interfere with the body’s temperature control system, making a person especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Living where there is poor ventilation or a lot of concrete, asphalt or a dense concentration of buildings, makes people more likely to experience the effects of heat stress.
There are a number of simple things you can do to avoid the dangers of heat stress:
- Stay in a cool place. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend as much time as possible in a public air-conditioned place such as a shopping mall, library, church, movie theater or senior center.
- Take cool baths or showers. Taking a cool bath or shower, and allowing the air to dry you, can provide amazing relief from the heat.
- Use a fan. Fans can draw cool air into your home at night and provide air circulation during the day. Keep drapes closed when windows are in direct sunlight. Install window locks so that your windows can be left open for ventilation but kept secure against intruders.
- Dress for coolness. Cotton clothing that is lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored will be most comfortable. If you have to be in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
- Take it easy. Avoid prolonged, strenuous outdoor activity such as gardening, lawn mowing, exercise or recreational activities when temperatures and humidity are high.
- Eat well. Despite the heat, eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid hot and heavy meals. Do any cooking during the cooler hours of the day.
- Drink liquids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks that contain caffeine and salt. If you have a medical problem with body water balance, check with your doctor.
- Be careful with salt. Check with your doctor before adding salt to your diet or taking salt tablets.
- Keep in touch. Call a friend or family member regularly and have them call you each day. If you should develop a heat-related problem, they can help you get assistance.
Links noted by "(pdf)" are in PDF format and support Adobe Acrobat 5.0 and later. Download Adobe Reader, free software to view and print PDF files.
