It gets hot in Alabama in July. And humid. Medical providers say stay hydrated, keep cool and be aware of the signs of heat illness.
Marie-Carmelle Elie, M.D., chair of the Department of Emergency …
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It gets hot in Alabama in July. And humid. Medical providers say stay hydrated, keep cool and be aware of the signs of heat illness.
Marie-Carmelle Elie, M.D., chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, says heat illness can be a dangerous, even fatal, condition.
"The body uses sweating to cool itself; but with extreme temperatures, high humidity and a high heat index, body temperature can rise to dangerous levels," Elie said. "Older adults, young children and those with preexisting conditions are at highest risk; but anyone can develop heat-related illnesses under the right conditions."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists five different types of heat illness:
"Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the two most dangerous conditions," Elie said. "Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected."
Signs of heat stroke are:
"Call 911 and move the person to a cooler environment," Elie said. "Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath, but do not give fluids."
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
"Move the person to a cooler location and have them lie down, while loosening their clothing," Elie said. "Apply wet, cool cloths to as much of the body as possible and have them sip water."
The CDC offers these tips on how to avoid heat illness:
"Drink water, take breaks, and don't try to do too much if you are outside in the heat," Elie said. "And don't forget to check on elderly friends and neighbors. The heat is difficult for pets too, so bring your dogs and cats inside during the worst of the day's heat."