Question 1

What is the best clothing for hot weather or a heat wave?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. If you must go outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the package directions. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin.

Question 2

How effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related illness?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

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 much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.

Question 3

Can medications increase the risk of heat-related illness?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

The risk for heat-related illness and death may increase among people using the following drugs:

psychotropics, which affect psychic function, behavior, or experience (e.g. haloperidol or chlorpromazine);
medications for Parkinson’s disease, because they can inhibit perspiration;
tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes; and
diuretic medications or “water pills” that affect fluid balance in the body.

Question 4

What is the best treatment for heat rash?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

Question 5

What is heat rash?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

Question 6

What should I do if I have heat cramps?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps:

Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

Question 7

What are heat cramps and who is affected?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms – usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs that may occur in association with strenuous activity.

People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps.

Question 8

What steps can be taken to cool the body during heat exhaustion?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
Rest.
Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Seek an air-conditioned environment.
Wear lightweight clothing.

Question 9

What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Question 10

What is heat exhaustion?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.

Question 11

What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Get the victim to a shady area.
Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Question 12

What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

Question 13

What is heat stroke?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Question 14

Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

Question 15

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

ckaufman · Accepted Answer

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.

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