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Much of the central part of the country, from Texas to Minnesota, will melt this week with extreme heat watches, warnings and advisories posted in many areas. Temperatures will reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes even higher. According to National Weather Servicethe prolonged nature of the heat wave and warm nighttime temperatures will worsen the heat effect.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion And heatstrokecan be life threatening and is often avoided.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion can occur when your body becomes dehydrated and loses too much water and salt due to high temperatures and humidity. The people most at risk are the elderly, those who have high blood pressure and those who work outside. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to a more serious heat-related illness called heat stroke.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is caused by your body overheating, usually from prolonged exposure or physical exertion to high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heat stroke, can occur if your body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher.
Left untreated, heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage gets worse over time treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications or death.
Tip for preventing heat-related illnesses
- Stay calm. Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider a shopping center or public building, such as a library, to cool down. Don’t rely solely on case fans during extreme temperatures.
- People over 65 may not tolerate sudden temperature changes, just like younger people. Check older people more frequently and make sure they are drinking enough water.
- Stay hydrate. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Water and sports drinks are the most effective drinks in hot weather.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you further.
- Eat lighter meals.
- Wear light or loose clothing.
- Protect yourself from sunburn, which affects your body’s ability to cool itself. To carry Solar cream and sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
- Check on your friends, family and neighbors. Ask them to do the same.
- Make sure your pets have enough water.
- Do not leave anyone or any animal alone in a vehicle. Every year, several children die after being abandoned in hot cars. This is never a safe practice, even if you break the windows.
- Stay informed. Monitor your local news and weather for updates.
It is not always possible to prevent the disease. Seek medical attention immediately if you are concerned that someone may be showing signs of a heat-related illness, including heat stroke. These signs and symptoms may include a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher, confusion or agitation, heavy sweating, and vomiting.
By Mayo Clinic Health System Staff
This article was originally published on Mayo Clinic Information Network.