Did you know that most heat-related illnesses happen because of over-exposure to heat or over-exercising? Here’s how to stay safe.
“Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs,” said Dr. Jaimie Khemraj of Ryan Health. Here’s how to stay safe.
By Nikki M. Mascali, Metro
Rejoice!
The first major heat wave of summer 2018 officially ended in New York
City on Tuesday after four days of sweltering above-90 temperatures. But
with forecasters expecting to see the thermometer stuck in the mid- to high-80s for much of the rest of the summer, you're not quite out of danger when it comes to heat-related illnesses.
[post_ads]Like heat waves, which are at least three consecutive days of 90-plus
weather, temperatures in the 80s can also come with a slew of health
risks, said Dr. Jaimie Khemraj, medical director at city-based Ryan Health.
“Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital
organs,” she explained. “Several factors affect the body’s ability to
cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high,
sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing
heat quickly.”
Some of those factors that can limit one’s ability to regulate
temperature include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease,
mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drug and alcohol use, and
sunburn, which many of us may suffer as we head to city beaches, parks
and pools to stay cool.
Most heat-related illnesses happen because of overexposure or overexercising.
“Pace yourself,” Khemraj urged. “If you are not accustomed to
working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the
pace gradually.”
If your heart is pounding or you’re gasping for breath, “stop all
activity,” Khemraj said. “Get into a cool area or at least in the shade,
and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or
faint.”
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Heat-related illnesses: What's the difference between heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
Heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are forms of heat-related illnesses that vary by severity.
The mildest of the three are heat cramps, “where there are muscle
pains or spasms with strenuous activity,” Khemraj said, adding the those
who sweat a lot during such activity are more prone as it “depletes the
body’s salt and moisture.”
Heat cramps may also be a symptom of the heat exhaustion, a more
moderate illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high
temps and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement, she said.
Heat stroke is the most-serious heat-related illness and occurs when
the body is unable to control its temperature, which may rise to 103
degrees or more.
“The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails,
and the body is unable to cool down,” Khemraj explained. “Heat stroke
can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not
provided.”
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Use your air conditioner to help avoid heat-related illnesses
While electric fans may offer some comfort, they won’t prevent
heat-related illnesses when the thermometer hits the 90s for those
without AC, Khemraj said.
“Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place
is a much better way to cool off,” she suggested. “Air conditioning is
the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.”
Being in the AC for just a few hours a day can reduce the risk of
heat-related illnesses, Khemraj said, so think about hitting up a city
cooling station, library or mall.
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| 'Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs,' said Dr. Jaimie Khemraj of New York City-based Ryan Health. |
Is water the best way to hydrate in a heat wave?
“Hydration is best with water. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas,”
Khemraj said. “If you have perspired too much, consider a sports drink.”
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