July 30, 2007

In light of higher temperatures expected to affect most of the Great Lakes area in the next several days, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is pointing out several preventative measures citizens can take to keep their families safe when the weather becomes unbearably hot.

MDCH is offering several tips to help you beat the heat when temperatures reach 80 or above.

"High temperatures can create stress on your body and mind. Very hot days can cause body temperature to rise, resulting in muscle cramps, dizziness, and eventually making you dangerously ill. To prevent symptoms of heat stress, adults and children should stay completely hydrated by drinking water frequently, even when they may not be thirsty," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, State Chief Medical Executive. "Try to stay clear of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they cause dehydration."

The sun's rays can be very dangerous, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so try to plan your daily activities accordingly. If you must do work outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded, cool areas. Wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing will help you stay cool during the hot summer days. Fabrics like cotton are a good choice as they allow air to circulate through clothing and to your body. The use of sunglasses and suntan lotion (at least SPF 15) also can reduce the risk of damage from the sun.

It is important to know the different signs of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses target young children and the elderly, so it is important to monitor these citizens by checking them frequently.

The first stage of heat-related illness is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when body fluids are lost, and not replaced, by sweating. Dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue and irritability are all symptoms of dehydration. If you are experiencing dehydration, move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, replace fluids by drinking water, and consult a physician if symptoms persist or if there is an existing condition that could be complicated by increased fluid intake.

The next, more serious stage of heat-related illness is called heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost by sweating. This fluid loss can cause reduced blood flow to vital organs, which results in shock. Signs of exhaustion include headache, moist and pale skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. To treat exhaustion, seek shade or cool, comfortable place, drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes, remove or loosen any tight clothing, and apply a cool, wet towel or compress. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment.

Finally, heat stroke is the most severe stage of heat-related illness. A heat stroke, or also called sunstroke, is life threatening and immediate emergency medical attention is vital. During a heat stroke the body's temperature control stops working and temperature can rise very quickly. Seek emergency treatment immediately if symptoms such as vomiting, decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness, high body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit) or red, hot, and dry skin with a rapid, weak pulse are present.