How to Handle Extreme Heat

Dr. Emily Senay Urges Special Care For The Very Young And Seniors

(CBS)  Scorching temperatures in many parts of the nation are a reminder that sky-high mercury levels are not only uncomfortable — they can be dangerous.

On The Early Show Monday, medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explained that we function best when we maintain a body temperature of about 98-point-6 degrees Fahrenheit.

That's usually not too difficult for our bodies to maintain in moderate temperatures, Senay observed. Even if we start getting a bit warm, a little perspiration is often all it takes to cool us back down.

But, once the weather starts getting hot, the body's temperature regulation system can become overloaded. When that happens, we start feeling the symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses.

Early signs include fatigue, thirst and heavy perspiration. Muscle cramps can develop if you've perspired so much that the salt you need to keep your muscles functioning has flowed out of your body with the sweat.

The next stage of heat-related illness, Senay continued, is a condition called heat exhaustion. That starts to happen when dehydration becomes more pronounced. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, and dizziness. In this stage, your skin can also begin to feel cool and clammy, and your urine can appear darker because your body lacks the fluids to maintain its usual color.

An even more worrisome form of heat-related illness is a serious, life-threatening condition called heat stroke.

Those symptoms include irrational behavior and extreme confusion. The person's breathing may be rapid and shallow. And their skin may have turned hot, dry, and unusually red. If you think you see someone who has heat stroke symptoms, you need to get them medical assistance immediately.

If heat illness has reached that point, Senay stressed, the person's brain and other vital organs might be severely damaged, or even shutting down. Once you know help is coming, you want to cool the person off as best you can: Put the person in the shade, or into air conditioning, and have him or her lie down, with the feet elevated slightly. Get cool water and apply it to the person's skin, either directly or with a cloth or sponge.

Senay noted that you definitely want to head off heat illness before symptoms become serious. One way is to make sure you're hydrated. Drink plenty of fluid, especially before, during and after strenuous physical activity. And avoid outdoor exercise in heat, humidity and strong sunshine. Also, leave more time for rest breaks than you might usually think is necessary. Light, loose-fitting clothing is also a good idea. So is staying inside, in air conditioning, as much as possible, especially if you're especially susceptible to heat-related illness.

Such people, Senay added, include those over 65 and children up to age 4; they have the most trouble regulating their body temperatures. People who are overweight are also at higher risk, as are those with chronic and serious medical conditions.

If you know people in these categories, especially if they live alone, high temperatures are a signal to you to check in on them, and make sure they're well, Senay said. She also warned that, especially as they progress, symptoms of heat illness can be debilitating, and susceptible people need special attention and assistance.

---

For more on heat-related illnesses, click on these links:

Medical Encyclopedia on heat emergencies

Safer Fun in Summer Sun, from the National Institutes of Health

Suggestions from the Red Cross

More from the Red Cross

[erasmus6]

By 10:30 this morning it was already 90 degrees here. It is rare here to get that hot but especially at this time in the morning. I hate to think what it will be this afternoon! Over the last several years the temperatures have been getting warmer. There is no way that anyone will ever convince me that it isn't because of global warming.

[michellem99-2009]

at this posting it is 80 f and the heat index is 79 f and he has the ac going in him room and me the window open and door is shut. Seattle. I told my friend and he goes NO and I said aiyup it is.AIYUP IS MAINE USED for yes.Aiyup I was born and raised there. Aiyup yer right they should not drink beeah but do. Not in our house/apt.

[loqut]

I am used to the heat being I have lived in the desert for awhile. here are some of the ways to keep yourself cool that was not mention here so far.

Best colors to wear are White, Sand or a very light yellow color.
Large brim hat.
Wet a Bandana and wear it around your neck.
Take a hand towel and wet it down and wear it under your hat on your head.
Don't go out between the hours of 11:30 Am & 4PM when it is the hottest hours of the day.
Don't drink anything with caffine in it.
Stay away from beer and the like.

[wiccantexan]

Freeze water in a large mixing bowl and put it in front of a small fan. This works very well for taking the heat edge from a room, if you don't have A/C. Since one of our wall units died, this is what we've used for years.

[erasmus6]

Yes, there are some medications that you are not supposed to go in the sun while taking them. My dad was on some pills like that once.

I am glad I have my air conditioner now.It is supposed to be very hot for the next week or two. Before when it got really hot I would sit in front of a fan with a spray bottle of water and spray myself. That actually works pretty good.

[michellem99-2009]

I and my friend on meds and some person can't handle too much sun. His brother tryrd to talk my friend out buy an ac unit. He got one as he is heart patant. He asks me to check the heat index. We going really get it tomorrow. S'pose to hit 90s. Perper70s. It is stay in time.

[erasmus6]

I am allergic to the sun. When I was a child I would get itchy bumps under my skin. I don't get them any more but then I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. My grandmother was also allergic to the sun and my two daughters have problems also. Plus we have a heat sensitivity.
Tomorrow it is going to be 94 degrees here and the humidex is supposed to be 100 degrees. YIKES! It is a good thing we just bought an air conditioner or I would probably die. Not only me but my darling babies (my cats).

[michellem99-2009]

I always wear my hat. I cover my skin. I am able to handle it better than my vet friend. Take water with us. At my age I don't stay in the sun.
SSG Sir I hope you and your men/wemen have water to drink so you don't get sick.
There are people with health issues that must be careful. I do check the heat index as my room mate is a heart patent with diabetes. I am 52 and legally blind and the bright sun light made it hard to see if I don't wear hat with bill.

[erasmus6]

drputt45 and rushman71

Get a grip! Pour some cold water over your heads or something.:) And don't ask me which one!

[rushman71]

drputt45: Just looking at Hannah's calves makes me sweat!!! LOL!!!

[drputt45]

The length of Hannah's skirt raised my temperature a couple of degrees.

[jimtanker]

As a soldier who has deployed to many of the "hot spots" around the world I can tell you that you need to get real when reporting about this heat wave.
It was 118*F in Kuwait city today and it's only going to get hotter. We have soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines out there in the heat with no AC that are wearing full clothing, including gloves, a 2 pound combat helmet, and about 35 pounds of body armor and ammo.
I challenge you to get some of your "reporters" out to Fort Irwin, Ca. and get some of that gear on and walk around for just two hours. Only after you have done this are you qualified to say what hot is.

SSG James Kenyon
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

[wiccantexan]

Don't do what I've seen a lot of Northern folks doing on the news; sit on concrete with their feet in a pool, with thin tank tops & shorts. Wear cotton clothing, but don't cook your skin; longer sleeves and pants, light colors. Wear a freakin' hat, and get off the concrete! It's radiating the heat right to you, all around you. Pop your feet in a tub of water sitting under a tree, in the shade.