With dangerously hot weather gripping much of Pennsylvania, Secretary of Health offers tips to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness
Harrisburg – With extremely hot temperatures expected to linger over Pennsylvania for much of this week, Health Secretary Everette James today urged Pennsylvanians to take steps to recognize and prevent heat-related illness.
"Those at greatest risk for developing heat-related illness are infants and young children, people over age 65, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, or chronic conditions," James said. "However, anyone who participates in outdoor activities in extremely hot weather is at risk of becoming ill."
Heat stroke, exhaustion, and cramps are the three most common heat-related illnesses. The incidence of these conditions increases when humidity is high because sweat cannot evaporate as quickly, meaning the body cools itself at a much slower rate than usual.
The most severe heat-related illness, heat stroke, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overheating and, in turn, loses the ability to sweat. Someone suffering from heat stroke may experience a body temperature above 103° F; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, attempt to cool the person off in a shady place while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
Heat exhaustion can occur after sun exposure or inadequate replenishing of fluids after spending time outside. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. To treat heat exhaustion, rest, drink water, and cool off the body. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke.
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms usually in the arms, leg, or abdomen that typically result from performing strenuous activity in heat. Sweating excessively during physical activity lowers the level of salt in the muscles, which causes cramps. If you experience heat cramps, stop all physical activity and rest for a few hours, and drink clear juice or sports beverages.
James offers the following tips for staying safe whenever temperatures soar:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can increase the risk of dehydration;
- Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;
- If you must be outside, limit your activity to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler;
- Air conditioning is the most effective way to cool off and prevent heat-related illness. If your home is not air-conditioned, try to spend a few hours at a mall or other air-conditioned place to cool off your body;
- Monitor high-risk individuals by checking on elderly neighbors and children; and
- Never leave children or pets in the car.
Across the state, many municipalities and organizations such as senior centers have set up "cooling stations" that allow residents to seek shelter from the heat. Contact your local government for information on cooling station locations.
For more information on staying safe and preventing heat-related illness, visit www.health.state.pa.us or www.aging.state.pa.us.
+ Top Story
This year, if you are living with bipolar disorder, don't forget to place managing the condition at the top of your list of resolutions. It's a great time to develop a new attitude focused on working to successfully manage the condition.
Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat in itself, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. At some point at least 50 percent of sexually active adults will get one of HPV's 40-odd strains, which can infect men and women, usually in the genital region but also in the throat.
Having an Overactive Bladder can affect your quality of life, and 16 percent of the adult population, or about 33 million people, have this condition...
Racial disparities in health persist in Delaware, a public official said on Monday as she recalled a quote from a speech on healthcare inequity made by Martin Luther King Jr. more than 40 years ago.
Egg consumption is on the rise, and not just at Easter. According to the American Egg Board, each American eats about 250 eggs annually - 20 eggs more per person every year than people were eating two decades ago. And there are many ways to enjoy eggs of all kinds of varieties...
We're told that drinking water is good for our health. But do we really know why? To get the new year off to a healthy start, here are four reasons why staying hydrated can help you reach your health and lifestyle goals.
We're reminded time and again of the good health habits we should practice during the winter germ season - wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home when you're sick. While you likely know these basics, you might not be aware some of the most common places germs tend to congregate and spread.