Heat-Related illnesses: What you should know in Arizona

There are more than a few heat-related illnesses, heatstroke (the most severe), heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Those most at risk include:

• Athletes and people who like to exercise – especially beginners
• Alcoholics and drug abusers
• Elderly people
• Infants and young children
• Individuals with heart or circulatory problems or other long-term illness
• Individuals taking medications that alter sweat production People who work outdoors
• Pets

Heat Stroke

Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heatstroke. Signs and symptoms can include but are not limited to headache, dizziness, confusion or irrational behavior; increased breathing; reddish/pink skin that is very hot to the touch; and convulsions or unresponsiveness. The victim also will likely have stopped sweating. Time is critical, do not hesitate to take action:

• Call 911 immediately
• Do not force the victim to drink liquids
• Move to a cool place
• Remove outer clothing
• Immediately cool the victim with any means at hand, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
• If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of their body as possible with cold, wet towels
• Observe the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed

Heat Exhaustion

When the body loses an excessive amount of salt and water, heat exhaustion can set in. Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke, so make sure to treat the victim quickly. Athletes and people who work outside are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu and can include severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, diarrhea. Additional symptoms include excessive sweating, clammy skin, dizziness, rapid pulse, and slightly elevated or normal body temperatures.

• Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
• Apply cold wet towels or take a cool shower

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle spasms that usually affect the legs or abdominal muscles, often after physical activity. Profuse sweating reduces salt levels, which can result in heat cramps.

Workers or athletes with pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs should not return to work for a few hours. Instead they should:

• Sit or lie down in the shade
• Drink cool water or a sports drink
• Stretch affected muscles
• Seek medical attention if they have heart problems or if the cramps don’t get better in an hour or less

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more information on heat-related illness.

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. Air conditioning is the best way to cool off, according to the CDC. Also:

• Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a large-brimmed hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending excessive time outdoors during the hottest part of the Arizona day, Phoenix in the summer is dangerous pretty much from 9 a.m. all the way to 8 p.m.

So during the hottest months, just stay out of the sun as much as possible.

• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body