As areas across North Texas heat up, the health of local residents is a big concern.
Anyone spending time outside or in areas that aren't air conditioned could face the threat of illnesses including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash and sunburn.
First of all, there are a number of steps we can all take to prevent these issues for ourselves and others:
- Never leave anyone, including animals, in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Drink fluids at least 30 minutes before going outside.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
- Plan strenuous outdoor activity for cooler times of day -- early mornings or evenings.
- Take frequent breaks when working outside.
- Frequently check on the elderly, the ill, and others who may need help.
- A sudden change in temperature – an early heat wave or travel to a hotter climate – will stress your body. Limit physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
- Check with a doctor or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medications, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
Overall, the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention: stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, wear cool clothing and monitor strenuous outdoor activities
If you or someone you know has to spend time outside, here are some of the symptoms to watch for and what you can do to treat a number of heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC.
Heat Stroke
What to look for
• A temperature of 103º or higher
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing our
What to do
If someone appears to be suffering from a heat stroke, call 911 right away. This is a medical emergency.
Try to move the person to a cooler place and lower their temperature -- you can use cool cloths or give them a cool bath.
However, the CDC says not to give the person anything to drink.
Heat Exhaustion
What to look for
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale or clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting (passing out)
What to do
If you or someone you are with appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, move to cool place and loosen the individuals clothes.
The individual should sip water and either place cool wet cloths on their body or take a cool bath.
However, anyone throwing up, suffering from worsening symptoms or experiencing symptoms that last longer than an hour should get help right away.
Heat Cramps
What to look for
• Heavy sweating during intense exercise
• Muscle pain or spasms
What to do
• Stop activities and move to a cool place
• Drink water or a sports drink
• Don't resume any activity until the cramps subside
Anyone experiencing cramps that last more than an hour should seek medical help, the CDC says. Additionally, people on low sodium diet or those who suffer from heart problems should also get treatment right away.
Sunburn
What to look for
Symptoms include painful, red and warm skin, as well as blisters.
What to do
If you are sunburned, try to stay out of the sun until you heal. You can treat the burn by putting cool cloths on the affected areas, taking a cool bath, or putting on moisturizing lotion.
Anyone with blisters should not break them, the CDC says.
Heat Rash
What to look for
It usually appears as red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples. They are most commonly found on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases, according to the CDC.
What to do
Anyone suffering from heat rash should stay in a cool, dry place, keep the rash dry and use powder such as baby powder to soothe the rash.
KIII contributed to this report.
