Health department offers tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses

With the arrival of summer heat and humidity, Southern 7 Health Department encourages everyone to know how to prevent and care for heat-related illness.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH, hot weather can cause heat-related illness which ranges in severity from relatively mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke. 

Normally, the body can cool itself by sweating, but if temperatures are extremely high, sweating is not enough to maintain the body’s normal temperature.

The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are the most serious conditions, the health department advised.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. 

Heat exhaustion can result when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte (salt and minerals) replacement.

Symptoms of heatstroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, orally); red, hot and dry skin; a rapid pulse; a throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and unconsciousness. 

Since heatstroke can be life-threatening, you’ll need to contact 911 immediately, the health department said.

Cool the victim slowly in a shaded area or air-conditioned environment and apply cool towels or compresses. Do not give the victim any liquids.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy sweating. Body temperature will be near normal. 

Cool the body as you would with heatstroke and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Anyone can develop heat-related illnesses. However, certain groups of people are at increased risk during extremely hot weather. These include people who work outside, elderly persons living alone, people with chronic medical conditions and persons taking certain medications.

Use a buddy system. Never be alone outdoors for long periods of time and have a way to communicate such as with a cell phone or other device.

Limit outdoor activities. Take breaks as often as you can in a shaded area or air-conditioned environment.

Drink plenty of fluids. At least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of fluids daily.

Protect your body. Wear as little clothing as possible when indoors and wear light colored, loose fitting clothing outdoors. When outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, wear a hat and use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, SPF, greater than 15 to protect yourself against sunburn.

Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car, not even for just a few minutes.

Provide pets with plenty of cool water and shade.

For more information on how to beat the heat this summer, visit dph.illinois.gov or call Southern 7 Health Department at 618-634-2297.