Staying Safe in the Extreme Heat
Staying Safe in the Extreme Heat By: Dagmar Crosby, MD, Board Certified in Family Medicine
(Mesquite, NV)— Forecasters predicted hotter-than-average conditions across the United States this summer, and the predictions have proven accurate here in Nevada. As summer temperatures soar, people of all ages need to take precautions during the scorching heat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,220 people in the United States die each year because of extreme heat. Some are more vulnerable than others, including children, athletes, pregnant women, and individuals who are chronically ill, obese, have heart or lung conditions, use drugs or alcohol, or have disabilities or conditions such as mental illness, poor circulation, or diabetes.
Heat-related illnesses can span from rashes to dehydration and life-threatening heat strokes. Here are some of the common symptoms to pay attention to this summer:
- Heat rash: Pimple-like blisters can form when sweat gets trapped in the skin.
- Heat cramps: Involuntary muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, and calves can occur from a loss of salt and water through exercise.
- Heat exhaustion: The hallmark signs include pale and clammy skin, pulse changes, and nausea. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
- Heat stroke: This life-threatening illness occurs when body temperature rises to about 104 degrees, and the body loses its ability to cool off by sweating. Other symptoms include confusion, hot, dry skin, vomiting, profuse sweating, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
“Heat stroke can be fatal if it’s not treated right away,” explained Dr. Crosby, Family Medicine Physician with Mesa View Medical Group, Hillside Family Practice. “During extreme heat, staying hydrated and taking breaks inside can help cool the body down.”
The most effective way to prevent heat-related illness is to stay indoors where it is cooler. If a hot day is forecasted, remain inside and out of the sun as much as possible to minimize heat exposure. Here are additional strategies to help everyone, especially those most vulnerable, stay healthy and safer during extreme weather:
- Stay Shaded: If you are outside, find a tent or shade to block direct sunlight.
- Plan: Restrict activity to cooler parts of the day and avoid strenuous physical activities during the peak heat.
- Dress Right: Wear lightweight clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Eat Light: Enjoy smaller meals and opt for cold fruits or salads.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before going outside and incorporate electrolytes and salt tablets to help prevent dehydration.
- Rest Often: Take frequent breaks indoors to get in the air conditioning and let your body recharge.
If you or someone you observe someone exhibiting signs of heat stroke, (described above), call 9-1-1 immediately.
Staying informed and vigilant is essential to enjoying a safe and healthy summer despite the extreme heat.
![Dagmar Crosby MD](https://mesaviewhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Dagmar-Crosby-MD-214x300.jpg)
Dr. Crosby sees patients at Mesa View Medical Group’s Hillside Family Practice, located at 450 Hillside Drive, Building B, Suite #102 in Mesquite, Nevada. She welcomes new patients of all ages.
Dr. Crosby is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can visit: MesaViewAnytime.com, or call 702-346-4302.
Mesa View Medical Group is a primary and specialty care medical clinic with locations in Mesquite, NV and Logandale, NV. Mesa View Medical Group is affiliated with Mesa View Regional Hospital.
For more information visit MesaViewMedical.com or call 702-346-0800.
About Mesa View Regional Hospital
Mesa View Regional Hospital is a 25-bed critical access acute care medical facility located in Mesquite, Nevada. Mesa View provides a range of inpatient and outpatient hospital services including Acute Care, Intensive Care, Emergency, Surgery, Orthopedics, Swing-Bed, Pulmonary, Wound Care, Infusion Therapy, Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging. For more information, visit www.MesaViewHospital.com