Summer begins June 21, but as usual in North Carolina, the season is getting an early start. Are you ready to beat the sweltering summer heat? Did you know that temperature levels at or above 80℉ can cause serious injury or death? It all depends on your level of exertion, hydration, and your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Children, older individuals, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, heat illness, or even death. Researchers in NC have found that when outdoor temperatures are above 97℉, emergency department visits for heat-related illness increase rapidly in comparison to rates of visits for other conditions. Per NC Health News, in 2019 from May 1 to Aug. 31, there were 3,692 emergency department visits in NC for heat-related illness. Most patients were 45-64-year-old males, on the coast and in the Piedmont, and were working outdoors or performing recreation activities when they became ill.
Recognize the Signs – Heat-related illness symptoms include:
- Heavy or more than normal sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headaches
An Ounce of Prevention – To reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
- HYDRATE: Increase fluid intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to hydrate.
- STAY COOL: Take frequent breaks in cool and shady or air-conditioned places if spending extended time outside. Reduce normal activity levels to only during the cool parts of the day – early morning and late evening. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Keep your home cool by turning on you air conditioning and/or running fans. Take cool showers or baths.
- LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS: Check on neighbors, and if working outdoors, check on your co-workers. Remind others to drink enough water throughout the day.
- OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS: Speak with your physician about how to stay safe if you take medicines that make you more vulnerable to heat, such as tranquilizers or drugs for high blood pressure, migraines, allergies, muscle spasms and mental illness.
- LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, especially during warm or hot weather, as temperature levels inside a car can reach a deadly level in a matter of minutes.
To learn more about staying safe during the sweltering NC summer heat visit the NCDHHS web site. Each week, staff in the state Division of Public Health Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch compile and publish the North Carolina Heat Report. To sign up to receive the weekly North Carolina Heat Report via email, go to the Public Health website.
ComPsych, the administrator for the System Office Employee Assistance Program (EAP), also offers many valuable resources to aid in understanding the importance of staying safe during the hot summer months. Visit www.GuidanceResources.com to connect with various articles and videos to help become better educated on preventing heat related injuries. ComPsych also offers confidential one on one counseling. A counselor is available to talk with you about your concerns and needs 24 hours a day by simply calling 877-823-5715.