Staying Healthy in Extreme Heat

Since 1982, heat waves have been responsible for more deaths in Wisconsin than all other natural disasters combined. "Extreme heat" refers to summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for location at that time of year. Here are a few tips to help deal with the heat:

Keep your living space cool. If you don't have an air conditioner, open windows to let air circulate. When it's hotter than 95 degrees, use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on to your body.
Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don't wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool. Don't forget sunscreen!
Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark, when temperatures are cooler.
Monitor those at high-risk for heat related illness. These include infants and young children, the elderly and people who are overweight or ill. Check regularly on people whose jobs require them to physically exert themselves in the heat.

While certain groups of people are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses, too much heat is not safe for anyone. The following are heat-related illnesses that should be treated right away if symptoms occur:

Heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that may happen when you are active during hot weather. Drinking water, putting your legs up, and resting in a cool place should make the dizzy feeling go away.
Heat cramps can result from hard work or exercise. Find a way to cool your body down – rest in the shade or in a cool building. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (but not those with caffeine or alcohol).
Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Putting your legs up should help. If that doesn't work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.
Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated or your skin may feel cold and clammy. Rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don't feel better soon, seek medical care.
Heat stroke can be life threatening! Symptoms can sometimes mimic those of a heart attack, including nausea, absence of sweating, difficulty breathing, disorientation or even seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and medical help should be sought right away.

Stay safe and avoid the heat. If the weather starts getting the best of you, don't hesitate to call your Prevea provider, visit Prevea Urgent Care, or in extreme cases of heat stroke, visit your nearest hospital emergency room.