Department of Health
John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, Commissioner
EXTREME HEAT CONTINUES TO TAKE A TOLL IN TENNESSEE
Nashville, August 15, 2007
With record-breaking temperatures continuing throughout the state and seven deaths in Tennessee being attributed to the extreme heat, Tennesseans are urged to protect themselves and loved ones from heat-related illness.
In Tennessee in 2005,132 people were hospitalized for heat stroke and 10 died, while 1,373 people visited the emergency room. Each year, approximately 400 persons nationwide die from heat stroke.
“In extremely high temperatures, heat-related illness and death are common, yet preventable. I cannot stress enough the importance of protecting yourself and those you love from prolonged exposure. This is a life or death issue,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “With temperatures 100 degrees or higher, the very young, the elderly and those with specific pre-existing health issues are at greater risk.”
Infants and children under 4 years of age, people over 65, people who are overweight, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially those who have heart disease or high blood pressure, take certain medication, or suffer from insomnia, depression or poor circulation) are especially at risk in extreme heat.
Heat stroke, the most life-threatening heat-related illness, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, which rises quickly without the ability to cool down. If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Symptoms include body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; red, hot and dry skin without sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and loss of consciousness.
Other illnesses caused by extreme heat include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart beat, nausea, headaches and cold/clammy skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a few simple steps to avoid these preventable illnesses.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Remember to consume non-alcoholic, low-sugar drinks in hot weather.
- Replace salt and minerals. Heavy sweating from increased temperatures can deplete your body’s salt and minerals. Non-alcoholic drinks, like sports drinks, can help you replenish these reserves.
- Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every day.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours with rest breaks in shady areas, if available.
- Pace yourself. If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and increase effort gradually. If your heart is pounding or you are gasping for breath, stop the activity and rest in a cool, shady area.
- Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or library to cool off. Cool showers or baths, as well as keeping your stove and oven off, are other ways to cool down inside.
- Use the buddy system. Partner with a friend and watch for signs of heat-related illness in each other. Senior citizens are more susceptible, so if you are over 65, ask a friend to check on you over the phone twice a day. If you know someone in this age group, remember to check on them at least twice a day.
- Monitor those at high risk. Infants and children under 4 years of age, people over 65, people who are overweight, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially those who have heart disease or high blood pressure, take certain medication, or suffer from insomnia, depression or poor circulation) are especially at risk.
Call for immediate medical assistance if you believe you or another person is experiencing heat stroke. While waiting on emergency assistance, get the victim to a shady area, cool them rapidly using cool water and monitor body temperature until it reaches 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not give the victim any fluids to drink.
For more information about heat-related illnesses, including prevention and treatment tips, visit the CDC’s Extreme Heat Safety Web site at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.
Governor Bill Haslam
