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When it’s hot, play it cool

NORWICH — Summer is fun, but summer heat can be dangerous. Here are some common-sense tips from The William W. Backus Hospital to enjoy the season and stay healthy.

Dr. Jude Malican, Chief of Emergency Services at Backus, advises to drink plenty of fluids, get into a cool or air conditioned room if you can, and take rest breaks. The elderly and young children are more susceptible to hot temperatures and need special attention, he said.

Here are sensible precautions for everyone during these hot, humid days:

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
• Drink plenty of water or juice. Sport drinks that replenish electrolytes are especially good.
• Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol; they dehydrate the body.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Stay in a cool place and limit physical activity.
• Wear sunscreen when you go outside.
• Place a cold towel or ice-pack on the back of your neck.

People with respiratory problems need to be particularly careful in the heat.

During exceptionally hot days, Dr. Malican advises people with respiratory problems to be sure they faithfully take their medications and use their prescribed inhalants. The best place for persons with respiratory symptoms is indoors in air conditioning.

Heat disorders fall into two categories: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Although both are serious, heat stroke can be fatal.

Heat exhaustion occurs when loss of body fluids from heavy sweating leads to fatigue, low blood pressure and sometimes collapse. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include weakness, headache, light-headedness and nausea.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It may cause damage to many organs, particularly the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. People with heat stroke have temperatures that are usually higher than 104 degrees.

People with heat stroke may have the same complaints as those with heat exhaustion, but they also may show signs of confusion, strange behavior, vertigo (a whirling sensation), or seizure. If someone is outside in the heat and no longer sweating, that can be an indicator of heat stroke.

If someone becomes delusional or is acting in an unusual manner he or she should be seen by a doctor or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

Heat disorders cause about 400 deaths nationally per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.