Sun. Sweat. Sweltering heat. As temperatures climb this summer, it’s important to protect yourself against heat-related illness, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Normally, your body cools itself by sweating. But high humidity can slow the speed at which sweat evaporates, preventing your body from releasing heat efficiently and raising your body’s core temperature. Heat stroke occurs when your body’s core temperature reaches 104°F, and it can be deadly.
The most common symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature, red skin, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness. If you or someone close to you experiences heat stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Move to a cool, shady spot until emergency crews arrive. Cool your body rapidly with cool water and monitor your body temperature. Do not drink alcohol.
The most common symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache and nausea or vomiting. If you or someone close to you experiences heat exhaustion symptoms, rest. Loosen your clothing. Take a cool shower or run cold water on your wrists. Drink cool water. If symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour, seek treatment from your health care provider.
Senior adults, children and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for heat-related illness. Certain medications can hinder the body’s cooling system. Also, a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, putting them at risk for heat-related illness more quickly.
Protect against heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Stay in air-conditioned facilities during the hottest part of the day. If you must be outside, wear light colored, loose fitting clothing and avoid strenuous work or exercise. Take frequent breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.
Listen for advisories and warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). A heat advisory is issued when the temperature is predicted to reach 100°F or more, or the heat index is predicted to reach 105°F or more. A heat warning is issued when the heat index is predicted to reach 110°F and the heat index will only drop to 75°F within the next 48 hours. An excessive heat warning may be issued when a heat advisory will be in effect four or more days in a row, or when the health department sees a significant increase in heat-related illness or death.
Beat the heat. Play it safe this summer and avoid heat-related illness.
Need Help with Cooling or Transportation?
Staying cool in dangerously hot weather can be a challenge—especially without access to air conditioning or reliable transportation. If you or someone you know needs help:
Find a cooling center or summer assistance program through United Way 211. For senior adults, Project ElderCool provides free air conditioners throughout the KC metro to eligible residents. Additional air conditioned facilities open for free to the general public during the location’s business hours include community centers (KC Parks and Rec and Salvation Army) and public libraries (Mid-Continent Public Library and Kansas City Public Library).
Get help with transportation to medical appointments or cooling centers with OATS Transit. JCPH also offers complimentary rideshare passes to and from our Lee’s Summit clinic if you are in need of assistance. Email JACOHDcommunityhealth@uhkc.org or call/text (816) 447-0421 for more information.
