Beat the Heat: Watch Out for Your Health During the Summer Months

As spring turns to summer, and the mercury starts to rise to 80, 90 or 100, it's time to pay attention to the heat, and the effect it has on you and your family.

Just as cold weather can cause a litany of illnesses, the summer heat, while enjoyable, can lead to some serious health problems.

From 1999 to 2003 a total of 3,442 deaths from extreme heat exposure were reported. Of the approximate 688 deaths a year, 66 per cent were among men.

"Exposure to excessive heat can cause serious illness. It is one of the major weather-related causes of death," said report author George Luber, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Every one of those deaths is preventable if folks are aware of some on the preventive measures."

There are three major heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. All are characterized by exposure to high temperatures or too much physical activity in a too-hot environment.

Heat cramps are the least serious of the illnesses. These painful cramps in the abdomen, arms, legs, can occur after strenuous activity during hot weather. Profuse sweating causes an imbalance in the body's fluid and salt levels. Heat cramps can occur even in persons in good physical condition. While minor, these cramps can become more serious if the physical activity doesn't cease and the afflicted get into a cooler area.
Heat exhaustion occurs after longer exposure to high temperatures without adequate fluid replacement. The elderly, people with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment are susceptible. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. Medical attention should be sought if the symptoms are severe or the victim has heart or blood pressure problems.
Older adults, young children, and persons with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to these illnesses and are at high risk for heat-related death, the CDC said.

The key to treating these illnesses is to get out of the heat and cool off. Experts recommend the following:

- Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing

Heat stroke is the most serious of these environmental illnesses. After prolonged exposure to heat the body loses its ability to control its own temperature. Sweat is no longer produced and the body's temperature can rise to 106 degrees or more. Heat stroke can lead to unconsciousness, coma, permanent damage, and death. It is a very serious condition and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

The best way to stay healthy in the heat is prevention. Limit the time you or your family spend in high temperatures. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to replace what is being lost due to the weather.

The World Health Organization developed an oral solution to assist dehydrated persons in remote areas. It can be easily made at home. Take small sips of the mixture should dehydration start to occur.

Mix:
Table Salt - 3/4 teaspoon
Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
Sugar -4 tablespoons
Orange juice - 1 cup
Water - 1 quart/liter