In Michigan, we associate sunshine and warmer temperatures with more access to healthy outdoor activities and fewer illnesses from viruses and bacteria.
However, summer can bring extreme weather conditions, including unusually hot temperatures for long stretches. That is why it is important to be on guard for heat illnesses. The CDC reported that heat-related deaths are one of the deadliest weather-related health outcomes in the United States.
Common heat illnesses — heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat rash, heat cramps, and sunburn — can affect anyone, at any age, regardless of race or ethnicity, and you don’t need to live in the Southwest to be affected by them.
Children up to age 4, adults older than 65, and people who are overweight or have an existing medical condition — such as heart disease or diabetes — are at greater risk for a heat-related illness. During hot weather, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat when participating in strenuous physical activities or sports.
Use Common Sense
The best way to avoid heat illnesses is to use common sense.
- Limit your sun exposure and avoid the hours of most intense heat in the midday
- Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and do not drink alcoholic beverages
- When in the sun, wear a hat or have access to an umbrella or other shade
- If beginning a vigorous activity or sport, pace yourself and take time to build up to more activity
- Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car, especially in a hot car
- Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing, and shade their heads and faces from the sun
Two of the most serious heat illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion (mild to moderate heat illness)
Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- Core temperature may be normal or high; the person’s skin may be cool to the touch
- Rapid, strong or weak pulse
- Fatigue
- Profuse sweating
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
If you notice someone with these symptoms, take the following course of action:
- Remove the person from the hot environment to a cool environment.
- Hydrate with water.
- Elevate the legs.
- Remove excess clothing.
It may take hours to recover, so do not leave the person unattended.
Heat Stroke (severe heat illness)
Heat stroke can cause permanent brain damage and even death. It is a medical emergency. If you notice someone with these symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Skin feels hot and dry (not sweaty)
- Temperature is greater than 104 degrees
- Rapid, strong or weak pulse
- Headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
Seek immediate medical attention:
- Call 911
- Actively cool the person by using cool mist/fanning, cool-water bath or shower, and cool, wet towels or ice packs (on groin, neck, and armpits)
- Move into air conditioning, if possible
- Remove excess clothing
- Maintain the airway for breathing
A physician will advise the person on follow-up care and recovery.
With some advanced planning, you and your family can enjoy fun in the sun safely. And keep one more thing in mind: It is becoming more common for people without air conditioning — and people who are older, homebound, or isolated — to succumb to heat waves. Checking on such neighbors during the warm summer days could save lives. And if you are ever unsure, call 911.
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