CEN FAQs: Summer Heat Stroke or Exhaustion

With spring arriving and summer heat and humidity close behind we need to give thought in recognizing, treating and preferably preventing summer heat related illnesses. Temperature and humidity both play a role in the effect of heat on our bodies. The higher both the temperature and the higher the humidity, the greater the concern, because in a dry climate heat more easily escapes the body than in a situation of high humidity.  The National Weather Service has provided the following chart outlining the risks based on heat and humidity.

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat reaction generally occurring after significant exercise in a high heat. For example, you may see athletes exiting a game with a cramp in their leg which needs to be worked out before they can return to action.

Heat exhaustion is more serious resulting from the loss of water and salt where an individual experiences significant sweating and is unable to replace both the salt and water vital to health. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness, being tired or weak, experiencing muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and a cold pale or clammy type skin. If you or another person is experiencing some of the symptoms, promptly move to a cool shaded place, loosen clothing as much as possible and begin sipping, not gulping water. Also, if possible, put on a cool or wet towel or washcloth and take a cool bath or shower if practical. If the heat exhaustion continues it can migrate into a more serious condition, we call this heat stroke.

Heat strokes happen when the body's heat regulating system fails to regulate the excessive heat buildup. Symptoms of concern are: becoming nauseous, confused, dizzy, headaches and demonstrating hot red rashes on the skin. Also, signs of heat stroke may mean a high body temperature, a fast pulse or even losing consciousness. An individual may not experience all of these symptoms at once but if they are experiencing some and have been overexerting in a heated situation do not treat the condition yourself, call 911 immediately.

Rather than having to treat symptoms of heat stroke we should take preventative steps such as:

• Always wear weather appropriate clothing, lightweight, light colored and loose fitting

• Drink significant amounts of water, non-caffeinated drinks and fruit juices

• Stay indoors and air conditioning and shade when practical

• Fans may make us feel cooler but will not alter the risk of heat reactions

• When working outside schedule activities earlier or later when the sun and heat is less intense and do not intensely exercise or work

• Use sunscreen because it will help your body’s ability to cool down and sunburn will make your body more dehydrated

• Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or high sugar drinks because these will tend to cause stomach cramps and create dehydration, also in high heat situations do not drink very cold drinks

• When eating avoid hot in large meals, which increase body heat, select food items like melons with a high-water content

Serious reaction to high heat may come on slowly so we need to be very alert in monitoring not only our own condition but others who may not be aware they may be sliding into heat exhaustion or stroke. Challenges with working in heat have always been with us as we read In Scripture, Joseph, “There I was: by day the heat consumed me…” (Genesis 31:40)

Learn more about being a Ready Christian, not just to protect yourself from heat stroke but to assist others in crisis of all kinds as well. Remember, 80% of those in crisis will ask: “Where is God in this?” Be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.