Triple digit temperatures and humidity are here. During this record summer heat, it is important  for everyone to take protective measures to stay cool ,safe and prevent heat related illnesses. Certain age groups are especially prone to develop heat related complications.

Children everywhere look forward to summer vacation and playing outdoors. In this type of heat however , it is critical that parents  regulate and limit outside activities for children of all ages especially during the peak heat times of the day. Children ages 0-4  have difficulty regulating body temperature  and are especially vulnerable to hyperthermia.

Older adults , 65 years and older, are  vulnerable  as well to  heat related illness which can present with mental confusion. Fainting can  also be an early sign of heatstroke in the elderly. Other condiitions which  affect the regulation of body temperature include mental illness, prescription drug use( especially diuretics), alchohol abuse, obesity, dehydration and fever.

When you do go  outside:

•    Stay hydrated with caffeine and alcohol free fluids. Drink plenty of water
•    Wear light colored,loose and light clothes   
•    Take  frequent breaks
•   Eat small meals full of fresh fruit and vegetables
•   Check on friends, neighbors and  family without  air conditioning and direct them toward local cooling centers, malls or community facilities.

    Outside temperatures above 94 degrees can cause the core body temperature to increase to over 104 degree F. The human  body auto-regulates its temperature and cools itself by redirecting  blood to the skin to produce sweat. As more blood is redirected to the skin, the circulating blood flow to muscles and the central organs such as the heart and brain decreases.This can cause muscle cramps, mental confusion and weakness.

Anyone who has ever visited Arizona knows the difference betweed dry heat and humidity. Humidity puts a damper ( no pun intended)  on the bodies' protective mechanism and  prevents the evaporation of sweat from the skin. This  further increases body temeprature which explains why 94 degrees in Arizona can feel like 100 degrees in Washingon, D.C. .Signs of heat illness include:

•  Heat cramps- painful muscle contractions which affect the  calves, quadriceps and abdominal muscles . The muscles  feel firm to the touch due to cramping.
•  Heat exhaustion- the  body temperature increases causing  nausea, vomiting, headache, fainiting, confusion, weakness and cold, clammy skin.
•   Heat Stroke- heat stroke is a  life threatening  medical emergency and a complication of heat exhaustion . The body  temeperature  increases to  over 104 F(40C) and  stops sweating which causes a fast heat rate, respiratory rate, confusion ,irritability, hallucinations, agitation, seizure and  even coma.

     Heat stroke is a medical emergency .Take these steps immediately if you suspect heat stroke:

•   Call 911,
•   Move the person  indoors if possible or to a shaded area
•   Cover with damp sheets or spray with cool water
•   Remove clothing  
• If the person is fully conscious( as opposed to confused and disoriented) , have them drink water or a nonalcoholic. caffeine-free beverage   
•   Place icepacks under the armpits and groins
•   Fan the person to help with cooling

      Remember the signs and symptoms of heat related conditions can take minutes to develop. Stay safe and cool! This too shall pass!