Beating the Summer Heat: How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from Heat-Related Illness

Summer typically brings the hottest days we'll see all year in Wisconsin. When temperatures spike, the sudden change can quickly lead to emergency room visits or hospitalizations, especially for individuals who are not yet acclimated to the seasonal heat. Understanding who is most vulnerable, recognizing the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and practicing proactive prevention are vital steps to keeping our community safe this summer.

Who's most at risk for heat-related illness?

While extreme heat can affect anyone, certain individuals are highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to specific factors and circumstances. Those at the highest risk include:

• Infants and young children
• Adults age 65 and older
• People with chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer)
• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• Pregnant women
• People taking certain medications (e.g., medications for depression, insomnia, heart conditions, or poor circulation)
• People with mental illness
• Athletes or outdoor workers who are not yet acclimated to the heat
• Those experiencing sudden temperature changes

Additional risk factors include:

• High humidity (which limits the body's ability to cool itself through sweat)
• Dehydration
• Fever or sunburn
• Alcohol or drug use
• Poor circulation
• Lack of access to air conditioning
• Traveling from a cooler climate to a hotter one
• High heat index (91°F/33°C or higher increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke)

What are the common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat-related illness symptoms can range in severity. The body will first undergo heat exhaustion which can manifest in:

• Headache, dizziness, confusion, elevated body temperature
• Nausea, excessive thirst, muscle aches or muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating or cool, clammy skin

What to do: If you suspect heat exhaustion, immediately move yourself or the person experiencing symptoms to a cool, air-conditioned space. The individual should drink water or a sports drink while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals. Cool the skin by applying cool, damp washcloths, using a fan, or taking a cool shower. If symptoms worsen or do not improve quickly, seek medical care immediately.

If symptoms of heat exhaustion aren't tended to, the body can move into heat stroke, which shows signs of:

• Hot and flushed skin, convulsions or seizures, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting
• Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and/or fatigue
• Nausea, decreased urination
• In extreme cases: decreased sweating, high body temperature, and altered mental state are all signs of heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency

What to do: If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Prevention Tips for Overheating

Preventing heat-related illness relies on daily habits and community awareness. It's best to incorporate these habits into a summer routine:

• Stay Cool: Use air conditioning or visit public cooling centers like libraries or malls
• Avoid Peak Heat: Limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours (typically 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Dress Smart: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take shaded or indoor breaks
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly - about a quart per hour when outside
• Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car: Interior temps can reach dangerous levels within minutes
• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather and heat alerts before planning outdoor activities
• Use the Buddy System: Check on family, neighbors, and coworkers - especially older adults or those with health issues

Check on Vulnerable Individuals

During times of extreme heat, it's crucial to check in on our loved ones, friends and neighbors to ensure they are safe.

• Visit or call older adults, supervise young children, and check on those with health conditions frequently during heat waves
• If you are over 65, arrange for someone to check on you at least twice a day
• Monitor others (and yourself) for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke when working or exercising in the heat

By staying informed and watching out for others in our community, we can do our best to stay safe during the hottest days of the year in Wisconsin.

Amanda Strom, PA-C is a family medicine clinician with Ascension Wisconsin. She provides primary care for minor illness and injuries, preventive health screenings, routine check-ups and vaccinations. Her clinic is located at 1120 Main Street in Union Grove. Use this linkto schedule an appointment with Amanda Strom, or call 262-878-4424.