(Spirit Lake)– Public health officials say those involved in strenuous outdoor activities during these hot, humid days need to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses.
One of those is heat exhaustion. It’s caused by prolonged exposure to heat that results in excessive loss of fluids from heavy sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatique, low blood pressure, and sometimes collapse. Lost fluids should be replaced by drinking cool, slightly salty beverages. In addition, you should move to a cool location and lie flat or with your head lower than the rest of your body. Once rehydrated, officials say recovery happens quite rapidly.
Another heat-related illness is heatstroke, or sunstroke. It’s a serious, life-threatening condition in which a person is not able to sweat enough to lower body temperature. A heatstroke victim appears confused, disoriented and flushed and has hot, dry skin. In addition, the heart rate and breathing rate increases and the body temperature rises rapidly. Immediate medical treatment is required. The victim should be wrapped in wet bedding or clothing, immersed in a lake, stream or cool bathtub or cooled with ice. The victim should also be placed in a cool, shady area and given cold water with one teaspoon of salt per pint while waiting for emergency responders.
Heat cramps occur during physical exertion in extreme heat. They are caused by excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes and result in severe muscle spasms due to heavy sweating. Manual laborers and athletes are especially susceptible to heat cramps. Victims should drink beverages or eat foods containing salt.
Officials with Lakes Regional Healthcare say the hospital’s waiting areas and dining room are available to anyone without air conditioning looking to take a break from the heat and humidity.
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the region until 7 pm Wednesday (7/20).
