BEAT THE
Heat
How to avoid heatrelated illnesses.
By: Alison Baldridge, APRN, MNSc
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1,200 people in the United States die every year from extreme heat. Arkansas is known for its many opportunities for outdoor adventures as well as hot and humid summer days. When temperatures soar to 90+ degrees, outdoor fun can quickly become dangerous and even life threatening. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses. It is very important to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses while enjoying the great outdoors. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer properly cool itself. Typically, the body will sweat to cool itself but in extreme heat sometimes that is not enough, and the body temperature rises faster than the body can cool. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.