Kingman County Health Department

125 North Spruce Kingman, Kansas 67068

Phone (620)532-2221 Fax (620)532-1083

Fees vary depending on the service but most are based on a sliding fee scale. Medicaid, BCBS, and other insurances are billed for covered services. No one is refused services due to inability to pay.

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A Survival Guide to Beating the Summer Heat

             So much for missing out on the intense summer heat this year.  As the mercury climbs over 100 degrees this time of year, we must think about how to prevent the problems associated with too much heat.  Heat-related illnesses are preventable, yet many people do become ill, and some do die from complications of extreme heat.  Heat-related illnesses occur when our bodies cannot cool down from extreme heat.  We usually sweat when we get hot.  However, high humidity prevents sweat from properly evaporating, therefore the body cannot get rid of excess heat and cool down like it should.  Those at risk for heat-related illness are the very young and elderly, those with a fever, obesity, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and those who use prescription drugs or consume alcohol. 

Permanent disability or death can occur if intervention doesn’t happen quickly!

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES:

 HEAT STROKE 

            This is the most serious form of heat-related illness.  Sweating does not occur in this case, and one’s body temperature rises quickly, sometimes 106 degrees or even higher.  Symptoms include:

• ·         Oral (mouth) temperature of 103 or higher

• ·         Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating at all)

• ·         Rapid, strong pulse

• ·         Throbbing headache

• ·         Dizziness

• ·         Nausea

• ·         Confusion or unconsciousness

 Occasionally, uncontrollable muscle twitching occurs.  If this should occur, keep the victim safe from physical injury and prevent choking by not offering him/her liquids or by placing anything in the mouth.  Quick medical intervention is important.  The best thing to do is to get the victim to a cool, shady area and call emergency medical assistance.  In the meantime, cooling the victim can be done by sponging the person with cool water, lightly spraying with a garden hose, or offering a cool shower. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION

             Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat-related illness due to several days of exposure to higher temperatures or lack of proper hydration.  Those most vulnerable to heat exhaustion are the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and those who regularly work in a hot environment.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Pale skin
• Muscle cramping
• Tiredness/weakness
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fainting

Unlike heat stroke, one’s skin may be cool and moist and his pulse is fast and weak.  Help this person cool off as mentioned before.  Medical assistance is needed when this person continues to have heat-related symptoms after an hour of treatment. 

Other heat-related problems include heat cramps, which occur when one sweats a lot.  Sunburn is also a big problem.  It is not only painful, but prevents the body from cooling off like it should.   

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES 

1. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.  Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they dehydrate the body.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.  Drinking 2-4  large glasses of water an hour is recommended when outside.
2. Eat light meals.  High-potassium foods like potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, or watermelon helps prevent symptoms of heat-related illnesses.  If you are on a fluid or diet restriction, do speak with your doctor beforehand.
3. Wear light-colored, loose clothing when outside.
4. Pace yourself.  If you are not used to being outside, start your work slowly, then increase the pace.  If you do not need to be outside, stay inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned places.  STOP everything if you find yourself out of breath or in pain. 

Other tips on keeping cool can be found on the CDC website: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.

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July 07, 2010

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