Five Steps to Avoid Heat-Related Health Problems

By Sheryl Kraft | August 1, 2011

Hyperthermia - which is also known as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat fatigue - occurs when your body overheats. Signs of heat stroke include a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering and mental changes such as confusion, disorientation and in extreme cases, coma.

When I turned on the news this morning and caught a quick segment on the weather, I was reminded of why I both love – and sometimes dread – the summertime. The map of the United States that flashed across the screen was highlighted from north to south and east to west with big red numbers – numbers that screamed out heat wave.

Sure, I welcome the heat after a long frigid winter, but when temperatures start to hit north of 90 degrees, I long for some relief. Cold doesn’t sound nearly as bad as it felt back in January. And I’m sure I’m not alone in this feeling.

Not only is it uncomfortable, but extreme heat can be downright dangerous. In fact, heat-related problems increase with age. As you age, your inner “thermostat” has a harder time adapting to temperature changes. Your body’s way of cooling itself normally is through sweating, but sometimes this isn’t enough, and your body temperature can rise rapidly, leading to potential damage to your brain or other vital organs.

Certain medical conditions, too, can be exacerbated by heat; likewise, certain conditions can make it tougher for your body to adjust to the heat. Conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be culprits in increasing your odds of suffering from hyperthermia.

Five action steps include the following:

1. Keep the air moving. Use fans to circulate stagnant air; placing a pan of ice cubes in front of the fan can help cool that air. At night, to ensure airflow, keep your bedroom door open.
2. Pay particular attention to any air pollution alerts, and if you don’t have fans or air conditioning, find a place that does, like a shopping mall, movie theater, or library. Or, visit a friend who has a cool house, and spend the time socializing instead of sweating.
3. Keep windows and window coverings closed during the day, while the sun is up. This allows the house to stay as cool as possible for as long as possible. If the temperature outside is hotter than it is inside, keep windows closed; when temperatures cool outside, open them wide.
4. Cool off with water. Take a cool bath or shower; soak your feet in an ice bath (or store your socks in the freezer and wear them around the house). Keep a spray bottle filled with cold water nearby to cool off the back of your neck, insides of your wrists and elbows, and face throughout the day and night.
5. Head downstairs. Since heat rises, the coolest part of your house will be the lowest part of the house.

Most importantly, you need to increase your fluid intake during hot weather, even if you don’t increase your activity level. If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink, you’ve probably waited too long. (If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink or if you are taking water pills, consult with him or her to find out how much you should drink in extreme hot weather). But stay away from liquids containing alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

Be proactive. If you suspect that someone is suffering from hyperthermia, take these steps:

• Move them to an air -conditioned or cool place
• Remove or loosen heavy or tight-fitting clothing and urge them to lie down or rest
• Apply a cold towel, ice-cubes or pour ice-water on the back of the neck, and apply cold water, ice packs or cold wet cloths to other parts of their skin
• Get them drinking cool water, as much as they can tolerate
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible

You can manage the heat successfully. Enjoy the days filled with your energy and creative activity.