As the weather gets hot, take precautions in the heat

Summer is here and the temperature is rising, which must mean it's time for the county fair!

Kansas weather in July and August tends to be on the hot side. Heat can not only be uncomfortable; it can be deadly.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year more people die from "excessive heat events" than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

Excessive heat events are prolonged periods when temperatures reach 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more above the average high temperature for a region.

Anyone can be affected by excessive heat, but older adults, as well as young children, are at high risk. For aging adults, the body's cooling mechanisms may become impaired. Existing health conditions such as chronic illness, mental impairment, and obesity also increase a person's risk. Persons taking certain medications are also more susceptible.

Participating in strenuous outdoor activities and consuming alcohol during unusually hot weather likewise make heat-related effects worse.

The body normally cools itself by increasing blood flow to the skin and perspiring. Heat-related illness and mortality occur when the body's temperature control system becomes overloaded. When this happens, perspiring may not be enough. High levels of humidity can make it even harder for the body to cool itself.

The best defense against excessive heat is prevention. Air-conditioning is one of the best protective factors against heat-related illness and death. Even a few hours a day in air conditioning can greatly reduce the risk.

When the temperature rises, here are some ways to cope:

* If your home is not air-conditioned, visit buildings in the community which are, such as a senior center, library, or community center.

* Take a cool shower or bath.

* Drink lots of fluids. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. If a doctor limits your fluid intake, make sure to ask how much to drink when it's hot. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These drinks encourage dehydration.

* Ask your doctor or other health care provider if the medications you take could increase your susceptibility to heat-related illness.

* Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.

* Check on at-risk individuals at least twice a day. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as hot, dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.

* Call 9-1-1 if medical attention is needed.

Heat stroke is the most serious health effect of severe heat. It is the failure of the body's temperature control system. When the body loses its ability to cool itself, core body temperature rises rapidly. As a result, heat stroke can cause severe and permanent damage to vital organs.

Heat stroke can be identified by skin that appears hot, dry, and red in color. Other warning signs are confusion, hallucinations, and aggression. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can result in permanent disability or death. The good news is that heat stroke can be prevented by taking preventative measures.

Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu.