Avoid heat-related illnesses with cool safety tips

HOUSTON COUNTY – It’s officially summer, meaning it’s the perfect time for people to be outside, playing their favorite sports, or working on a project. It is also a good time to be aware of health-related illnesses that could ruin your summer plans. 

Michael Hokanson, Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator with the Department of Health’s North Central Health District, shared a few tips on staying safe from the heat. 

Heat-related illnesses can vary in severity and share similar symptoms, but they can have different outcomes and present themselves in various ways. Hokanson said these illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash. 

“Each of them does kind of present different symptoms, some of them do share symptoms and each kind have their own level of severity, so it’s important to know kind of what to look out for and how to treat them,” he said.

Hokanson said heat stroke is most serious. The body cannot regulate its temperature, and as a result, it increases. Sweating fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin or profuse sweating until sweating no longer works and seizures. If heat stroke is not treated in time or correctly, it can cause permanent disability or death.

“It’s very important that this is the one that people definitely look out for and make sure to know that this is the one that needs the high level of treatment,” he said. 

Another heat-related illness is heat exhaustion, which occurs when there is an excessive loss of water and salt. This involves heavy sweating and symptoms include headache, nausea, weakness, thirst, heavy sweating, higher body temperature and decreased urine output. Hokanson said that heat exhaustion is not as serious as heat stroke, but it remains crucial to treat it quickly and effectively. 

Heat cramps are another condition that affects individuals who sweat excessively during strenuous activity. Hokanson said it has similar symptoms to heat exhaustion, including loss of body salt and moisture levels. Low levels of salt can lead to muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the muscles of the abdomen, arms, or legs. 

Finally, heat rash is a skin irritation due to excessive sweating during hot and humid weather. Hokanson said the rash can be seen as red clusters or small blisters around areas where skin meets skin. This includes the neck, upper chest, groin, elbow creases and the back of the knees. 

According to Hokanson, each illness has an associated treatment. In heat stroke, the first action is to call 911 for emergency medical care. He said that in these cases, it is essential to stay with the person while waiting for help to arrive. 

In every health-related situation, it is advisable to move the person to a cool, shaded area and work to cool them down. This is done by applying cold water and a wet cloth to the skin while circulating air. Hokanson advised cooling down the body as much as possible. 

This is not recommended in cases of heat stroke, but for individuals experiencing other illnesses, Hokanson encouraged frequent sips of cool water. 

Heat-related illnesses become more prevalent in the summer due to high temperatures and humidity. Hokanson said that individuals who work or participate in outdoor sports risk heat-related illnesses. The elderly, very young, and those with a chronic medical condition also have a higher risk. Hokanson said heat-related illnesses can exacerbate any pre-existing medical conditions. 

It is recommended to schedule outdoor activities for the beginning or end of the day to avoid the hottest part of the day. However, if a person must work during the day, it is essential to pace themselves as much as possible. 

Hokanson advised staying in an air-conditioned location as long as possible. If a person is outdoors, it is recommended to stay in a shaded area for as long as possible. He also advised drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if not thirsty, to maintain hydration.

Hokanson said employers should be aware that they need to share work safety information with their employees. He also shared that employers should encourage breaks, maintain good pacing, and provide access to drinking water. 

Hokanson also encourages employees to have a buddy system to remind their friend to take a break or drink water.

Hokanson encourages people to check for local weather updates and remain prepared for extremely high temperatures or a heat advisory. He said something people don’t like to hear is to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, which can prevent sunburn. These are made with light material and are loose-fitting. 

“I know that is something not very common in Georgia during the summer but that is something you can do to minimize at least that aspect of a heat-related illness, just the sunburn aspect,” he said.

Hokanson also suggested using EPA-approved sunblock for those who prefer not to wear long pants and shirts. However, there are clothes designed specifically for UV protection that are made out of lightweight materials.

He said they also know not everybody has access to that kind of protection, but it is an option for those who have the resources, especially for those who are outdoors all day. It is also advisable to incorporate clothing into work uniforms. 

Hokanson believes it is essential that people are aware of heat-related illnesses because they are often overlooked, especially in Georgia. 

He said Georgians often claim they are accustomed to the heat and humidity, but it is something they trick themselves into believing. This leads to heat-related illnesses being pushed to the back of their minds and not being fully aware of the risks. 

Hokanson said when people are out in the heat or doing strenuous labor they are elevating that risk level. He also advises people never to leave children or pets in cars when it is hot outside.

“You may have a lower risk than somebody who doesn’t take care of themselves, but you still have a risk of these heat-related illnesses. It’s important to take those steps, making sure that you’re hydrated, making sure that you take breaks and making sure that you get in the shade when you need to,” he said.

For more safety tips and information about heat-related illnesses, click here.