Heat wave pounds Midstate: Take proper precautions to avoid medical problems

With the Midstate experiencing the hottest temperatures of the year ? 100 degrees this week ? medical professionals are urging the public to play it safe when it comes to time in the sun.

?We?ve had one heat-related visit to the emergency room over the past three days,? said River Park spokesman Rob Wheeler. ?We are pleased there have not been more but we are cautioning the public to use care. The longer it stays hot, the more dangerous it will be.?

The dangers of heat exposure have been well documented. In 2004, 96 people were hospitalized in Tennessee for heat stroke and six died, while 1,021 people visited the emergency room.

Heat stroke, the most life-threatening heat-related illness, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, rising quickly without the ability to cool down.

If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Symptoms include body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot and dry skin without sweating, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

?Heat-related illnesses and deaths are a common, yet preventable, problem in Tennessee,? said state epidemiologist Allen Craig, M.D. ?With temperatures reaching record levels this week, it is imperative people know not only the signs of heat-related illnesses, but know how to prevent heat-related illnesses.?

Call for immediate medical assistance if you believe you or another person is experiencing heat stroke. While waiting on emergency assistance, get the victim to a shady area, cool them rapidly using cool water and monitor body temperature until it reaches 101 to 102 degrees, and do not give the victim any fluids to drink.

Other heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion (a less severe form of heat stroke), heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash.

Although heat-related illnesses differ, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a few simple steps to avoid these preventable illnesses.

? Drink plenty of fluids. Don?t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Remember to consume non-alcoholic, low-sugar drinks in hot weather.

? Replace salt and minerals. Heavy sweating from increased temperatures can deplete your body?s salt and minerals. Non-alcoholic drinks, like sports drinks, can help you replenish these reserves.

? Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every day.

? Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours with rest breaks in shady areas, if available.

? Pace yourself. If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and increase your effort gradually. If your heart is pounding or you are gasping for breath, stop the activity and rest in a cool, shady area.

? Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or library to cool off. Cool showers or baths, as well as keeping your stove and oven off, are other ways to cool down inside.

? Use the buddy system. Partner with a friend and watch for signs of heat-related illness in each other. Senior citizens are more susceptible so if you are over 65, ask a friend to check on you over the phone twice a day. If you know someone in this age group, remember to check on them at least twice a day.

? Monitor those at high risk. Infants and children under 4 years old, people over 65, people who are overweight, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially who have heart disease or high blood pressure, taking certain medication, suffer from insomnia, depression or poor circulation) are especially at risk.

Beating the heat

? Stay inside as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hottest time of the day
? Drink plenty of fluids
? Be sure to pace yourself if you are unaccustomed to working outdoors in the heat. Take frequent breaks in the shade
? Keep a close eye on children under 4 and older citizens over 65