Last week, more than 100 million Americans in 28 were under an extreme heat warning. With temperatures worldwide rising and setting new record high temperatures, it’s prudent to familiarize yourself with the risks that might apply to you and your family, and how to protect yourself against excessive heat. When your body is unable to properly cool itself, heat-related illness can ensue. Older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions are more at risk. Here are some of the more common heat-related illnesses, how to recognize them, and how to avoid or treat them. Heat Rash Red clusters of small blisters appear on the skin — even unexposed skin, usually the neck, chest, groins, or elbow creases. They look like pimples on the skin. Should you notice these, move to a cool, dry place. Try to keep the rash dry, using powder to soothe the rash. Sunburn The skin appears red, feels warm, and may blister. It becomes painful to the touch. Sunburn is dangerous, as even one case of sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. If you have gotten sunburned, stay out of the sun until the sunburn heals. Put cool cloths on the sunburned areas or take a cool bath. Put moisturizing lotion on the sunburned area, ideally containing aloe. Do not break the blisters. Heat Cramps Heat cramps can occur when heavily sweating during intense exercise in the heat. Muscle spasms and muscle pain can occur. Should you recognize these symptoms, stop the physical activity and move to a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink to help your body restore its balance. Wait for the cramps to go away before doing any additional physical activity. Should your cramps last longer than an hour, or if you have heart problems or are on a low sodium diet, seek medical help immediately. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is recognized by heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, and can include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, overwhelming tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headaches, and fainting. Immediately move the victim to a cool place. Loosen any restrictive clothing, and put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath. Sip water, but do not gulp a lot down at one time. Get medical help right away if the victim is throwing up, or if symptoms get worse or last for longer than an hour. Heat Stroke In extreme cases, heat stroke can occur, where the body temperature rises to 103℉ or higher. The skin becomes hot, red, and dry or damp. There is a fast, strong pulse with headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and losing consciousness. The victim is now in grave danger, and this is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place and help to lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do NOT give them anything to drink. Prevention Stay informed and stay cool. Monitor weather reports, and beware of high humidity, when sweat won’t evaporate as quickly, and heat alerts in your area. Personal factors such as age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, prescription drugs, and alcohol can all play a factor in the body’s ability to regulate its temperature in very hot weather. Those over 65, children younger than 2, and those with chronic diseases are most at risk and should be monitored by others. Ensure they are drinking enough water, and have access to air conditioning. Do not rely solely on a fan as a main cooling device during extreme heat. Drink more water than usual — do not wait until you are thirsty. Limit the use of the oven or stove to avoid adding heat to your residence. Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon, usually the hours on either side of around 3:00 pm. With planning and care, you can still enjoy the summer weather safely. | 
