Colusa Regional Medical Center,
Caring for our Community

Beat the Heat:  Prevent Heat and Sun Related Illness

The northern California hot summer season is upon us and it's time to think about preventing sun and heat-related illnesses.  Summer heat waves bring unusually high temperatures that may last for days or weeks. In the summer of 1980, a severe heat wave hit the United States, and nearly 1,700 people lost their lives from heat-related illness, according to the American Center for Disease Control.  Each year, high temperatures put people at risk and in most cases serious illness or heat related death is preventable.

People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating.  But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly.  Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.  To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.  Anyone can be a victim of a heat or sun related illness at any time, but some people are at greater risk than others.

Elderly people (people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to sudden changes in temperature. Older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat and they are more likely to take prescription medicines that inhibit their body’s ability to regulate temperature.

During the summer months it is important to keep a close watch on children.  As the days get hotter and the sun shines brighter children increase their activities while playing for long periods of time outdoors.  It is important to note that young children don't adapt as well as adults do to exercise in hot, humid weather. They produce more heat, sweat less and may be less likely to drink enough fluids during exercise.  All of these can contribute to their risk of dehydration and a heat related illness.

Others at greatest risk of heat-related illness include: People who are overweight, people who are ill or on certain medications, athletes, those who work in the outdoors especially in the agricultural and construction industries, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a heat related illness.  Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down.  Body temperatures can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.  The following may be signs of a heat stroke:

       An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
       Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
       Rapid, strong pulse
       Throbbing headache or dizziness
       Nausea

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.  Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.  If heat exhaustion is untreated it may progress to heat stroke.

       Warning signs vary but may include the following:
       Heavy sweating
       Paleness
       Muscle Cramps
       Tiredness or weakness
       Headache or dizziness
       Nausea or vomiting
       Fainting
       Skin: may be cool and moist
       Pulse rate: fast and weak
       Breathing: fast and shallow

During the hot summer months remember to drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.  Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar as these liquids can cause you to lose more body fluid.  

If you perspire you may need to replace salts and minerals.  The easiest and safest way to replace salt and minerals is through your diet. Drink fruit juice or sports beverages during outdoor activities.  Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor.  If you are on a low-salt or sugar free diet, ask your doctor before changing what you eat or drink.

Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.  If your home does not have air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath and move to an air-conditioned place.  Consider visiting a neighbor, going to the mall, a local library, or the grocery store.  Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing in the hottest hours.  Pace yourself when participating in outdoor activities, try to rest often in shady cool areas.  Limit your outdoor activity when the temperature is the coolest.  This is usually in the early morning and late evening hours.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat to help keep you cool and sunglasses to protect your eyes.  Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.  Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.  It also causes pain and damages the skin.  Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply according to package directions.

This summer have fun in the sun but remember your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you to remain safe and healthy.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms of heat illness, stop all activity. 

If the symptoms are not severe, sit quietly in a cool place, drink clear juice or a sports beverage and do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention for heat illness if the symptoms increase or do not subside in 1 hour.  Seek medical attention immediately if the symptoms are severe, or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Call 911 and seek immediate help in the event of hot weather health emergency. 

For more information on heat related illness contact Colusa Regional Medical Center Emergency Department at 458-5821 ext. 283 or 458-5821 ext. 249.