FOCUS ON WELLNESS
Photo of a pitcher of water

Temperatures don’t have to break records to threaten your health. Some people are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses—cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke—in even moderately hot temperatures.

“Older adults and those who can’t move around to get a drink of water or cool off may be at greater risk for heatrelated illnesses, which can range from mild to deadly,” says Buz Abrams, MD, emergency medicine specialist at Montefiore Medical Center and assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “People who take certain medications may also be more likely to experience problems. For example, diuretics deplete the body’s fluids, and some medications inhibit people’s ability to sweat—the body’s natural cooling mechanism. Others at risk include young children who can’t tell their parents or caregivers that they don’t feel well and healthy people who don’t make adjustments to the hot weather or who continue exercising vigorously in the heat.”

STAY HYDRATED

One precaution you can take to help prevent heat-related illnesses is to drink plenty of fluids. During the summer, emergency rooms see many children and older adults suffering from dehydration as a result of the extreme heat. Dr. Abrams says people have to make an effort to balance the fluids they take in and the fluids they lose throughout the day to stay hydrated. Hot weather, medications, health status and exercise can affect that balance.

LOOK FOR SIGNS

It’s important for parents, family members, caregivers and friends to look for signs of heat-related illnesses in themselves and those around them because they can be very subtle. Some common signs include:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness when changing positions
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fainting
  • Confusion
  • Changes in mental status

“You shouldn’t underestimate the effect of the heat,” Dr. Abrams says. “Every year, people die of heat-related illnesses. That’s why it’s important for you to take precautions and remain alert for anything out of the ordinary in the way you, a friend or a loved one feels.

“However, if you experience some of the signs of heat-related illnesses, seek medical care right away or call 911,” he cautions. “Heat problems can be sneaky—and deadly.”

Tips to Beat the Heat

Know your risk. Ask your doctor if any conditions you have or medications you take increase your risk for heat-related illnesses.

  • Drink plenty of water. While there’s no set amount to drink, a good rule of thumb is to drink enough water at intervals during your awake hours to fill six to eight soft drink cans. Take time out for water during exertion, and always drink water when you feel thirsty.
  • Cut down on alcohol, coffee and tea. These beverages actually deplete your body’s fluids.
  • Be careful using fans. In the hot, humid weather, they may blow hot air and make you hotter.
  • Cool down. Spend a few hours in an air-conditioned environment. Take a shower or bath. Mist your head and neck with a spray bottle filled with cool water. Visit the library or go see a movie with a friend.
  • Avoid unnecessary activity. Plan any necessary activities for the coolest parts of the day.
  • Stay in contact with family members, friends and neighbors during the day. They can check on your condition, and you can make sure they are feeling well. Plan to meet friends at specific times for a “head count.” Consider walking your dogs together or shopping together … anything to keep an eye on one another.