Be Aware and Beat the Heat 2009 6.22.09

Welcome to summer 2009! Portions of the United States are experiencing the normal high temperatures and humidity of the summer season. In this feature, you will find important information regarding heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burns, and safety tips to keep you and your family safe during your outdoor activities. Summer is here and so are the heat dangers.

Hot Temperatures: Hot Topic
Temperature is a scientific thermodynamic measurement used to describe the energy of motion from particles sampled (vibrational or rotational motion). This measurement is used to gauge heat. Relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor in a gaseous mixture of air and water vapor to the saturated vapor pressure of water at a given temperature. At a specific temperature, the relative humidity would tell how close the air is to being saturated. Although it is confusing and very dependent on the temperature, it can be used for high temperature forecasting. The heat index combines relative humidity with temperature to give a "feels like" temperature. Generally, 100 degree or greater heat indexes are a good indicator to take caution regarding heat illness.

Dewpoint temperatures may also describe (better) how uncomfortable the air is as well. High relative humidity will slow down evaporation. During high temperatures in the summer, these factors have important implications on the human body.

How the Body Works
The human body regulates heat by changes in blood circulation, eliminating water via glandular process (skin), and lastly if sweating isn't effectively regulating body heat panting may occur. Panting in humans is a process where gases are exchanged and evaporation occurs with fast breathing (mouth or nose), however, leading to hypocapnia which reduces carbon dioxide in the blood leading to systemic effects such as dizziness, visual disturbances, and anxiety (some of the signs of heat exhaustion). Vasodilatation occurs to bring blood closer to the skin to dissipate heat. Skin handles around 90 percent of the heat dissipation process for the body.

High relative humidity levels can work against evaporation which negates the body's natural cooling process. If the cooling process is interfered with such as the case above, the body's core temperature increases causing heat illness. At this point either the circulatory system and sweating are not working or a chemically induced salt imbalance occurs from excessive sweating. Depending on the severity of these factors signs and symptoms of illness will vary.

Varying Effects
Heat exhaustion is the first level of heat related illness caused by high temperatures, excessive exercise, exposure to high temperature environments, and the body's response to these mechanisms. Although heat exhaustion is the first level of heat illness, if untreated and the individual continues on the same course, the signs and symptoms may progress and become very serious. Heat exhaustion often shows up as heavy sweating, vomiting, headache, weakness, dizziness, fainting, and muscle cramps. These are early warning signs that cooling and hydration should be addressed immediately.

At some point if exposure to heat and excessive exercise is not adequately compensated for either by circulatory regulation, sweating, or panting, heat stroke will occur. At this point the body can no longer compensate by normal methods to cool itself. Core temperatures often are above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (sometimes to above 106 degrees). This is a dangerous and possibly life threatening condition. Sweat may no longer be evident, dehydration is severe, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, hallucination, confusion, agitation, seizure, and coma may occur. This is a serious situation and medical help should be called immediately if heat stroke occurs because if untreated it can be life threatening.

Another side effect of outdoor activity is the common sun burn (which can be avoided). Sunburns can damage your body's ability to sweat! These types of burns are caused by overexposure to the suns ultraviolet radiation. The severity of the burn will depend on how deep the skin tissue is damaged (which layers). It is important not only to stay hydrated outdoors, but to also wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and the best method - stay out of prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Safety Tips: Beat the Heat
Outdoor activity is inevitable during the warm sunny summer months. There are some basic steps you can take to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drink plenty of good fluids such as water and athletic drinks. You should avoid alcoholic beverages as they cause the body to excrete water at an excelled pace which can accelerate the dehydration process. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light color clothing which is better for sunlight reflection. Take breaks if you will be outdoors in high heat. Spray yourself with cold water.

If at all possible, when the temperatures are excessive, you should stay in air conditioned space indoors at least until the temperatures become cooler in the evening or early morning. Check on your family, neighbors, and pets. Remember the very young (infants) and elderly are most impacted by high heat. Heat related illnesses can be avoided with proper safety considerations and awareness. Enjoy this summer and beat the heat!

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