101 Critical Days of Summer: Stay cool in summer heat Published July 8, 2009 By Gary Gray 341st Force Support Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- From 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. According to an article found on the Center for Disease Control Web page, during this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Somehow our minds wouldn't think heat exposure should be that serious. We all have air conditioning...we all have a fan...we all seek shelter when it's too hot, right? Unfortunately, we don't. Let's examine some of the major issues involving heat What happens to the body People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. Under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. Several factors affect the body's ability cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and alcohol consumption. Hot weather health emergencies The following descriptions of heat-related illnesses were taken from the official Web site of the Office of Health and Human Services. - Heat cramps are painful spasms, mostly in the legs and abdomen. They are usually the result of heavy exertion and sweating. What to do: Apply firm pressure to cramping muscles or gently massage them to relieve spasms. Replace fluids. Consult a health care provider. - Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost by heavy sweating. What to do: Lay the person down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan the person or move them to an air-conditioned place. Give the person water. Consult a health care provider. -Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and causes the body's temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, to stop working. What to do: Call 911 or emergency medical services to get the person to a hospital immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use fans and air conditioners to cool the body. Do not give fluids. The best defense is prevention The CDC recommends following the tips listed below to avoid heat-related illness: - Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. - Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar; these cause dehydration. Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps. - Stay indoors and stay in an air-conditioned place. If a person's home does not have air conditioning, they can go to the shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help a person stay cooler when they go back into the heat. - Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high '90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off. - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. - Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. - Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: Infants and young children; People aged 65 or older; People who have a mental illness; and Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure. For more information about heat exposure, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp