Record-Breaking Temperatures Present Health Hazards

Record-Breaking Temperatures Present Health Hazards

June 27, 2012 | Steve Biddle

The National Weather Service says high temperatures Friday through Sunday are expected to reach at least 100 degrees, with a heat index as high as 105 degrees. The blistering heat presents some health hazards, like heatstroke and dehydration. Older people, children and people with chronic medical conditions are most susceptible. Cheryl Ledford, with Safe Guilford, based at Cone Hospital, says if you must be outdoors this weekend, it's best to wear loose-fitting, light clothing.

. “You will also need to avoid strenuous exercise or physical activities, especially during those peak times of the day, from 12 to 4 when it’s hottest outside. You need to rest frequently, and if you can find shade, seek the shade and take frequent breaks.”

And, Cheryl says, don't become dehydrated.

"Drink plenty of fluids, water preferably, to keep your body hydrated.”

Those fluids, of course, should be non-alcoholic, but it's also a good idea to avoid caffeine because it can actually speed dehydration. And how do you know if you've overdone it?

"Some common symptoms are profuse sweating, fatigue, thirst that you can’t quench, muscle cramps,
headaches, dizziness, any kind of confusion, weakness, if you start getting clammy skin… and if your urine
is dark, you’re dehydrated.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that, between 1979 and2003, more people died
from extreme heat than from hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, floods and earthquakes combined.
But heat-related deaths are preventable... with a few simple precautions.