By Kathy Hazzard, RN
If you have followed the news lately, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the record-breaking heat happening across the country this summer. Emergency room visits for heat-related illness – including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – have been steadily increasing, resulting in an average of 702 deaths annually.
Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone. It happened to me, and I wanted to share my experience and ways that you can prevent it.
It was a sunny day, and my husband and I decided to go hiking on the Batsto Lake loop trail in Wharton State Forest. The trail is not very difficult, as it is relatively flat and can easily be completed in about two to three hours. I thought I was prepared. I walk on my treadmill and around Bethel Mill Park often. I have no major health issues of any kind. We had sunscreen, insect repellent, light hiking clothes, a hat and water. But it was higher than 90 degrees on the day we set out.
There were at least two moments during the hike that I felt a little lightheaded – which probably indicated a problem starting – but I stopped, rested, drank water and continued on. We drank all the water we had with us, and when the hike was completed, I had a large water bottle waiting for us in the truck, which we also drank. After the 4.5-mile hike, I felt OK.
Eight hours later, my skin got very hot, very red. I became nauseous, and uncontrollable chills set in. Off to the ER I went, where I was treated for heat exhaustion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion is a condition where the body overheats. It’s caused when the body is exposed to high temperatures, high humidity and strenuous activity. It may start suddenly or progress over time. Your body naturally cools itself by sweating, but when you overexert yourself in the heat, your body is less able to do so. This can lead to heat cramps (a mild form of heat-related illness) and progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Persons younger than 4, older than 65 or those with chronic medical conditions are most at risk. Certain medicines like those used to manage high blood pressure, diuretics, beta blockers, tranquilizers and antipsychotics also increase risk. Other factors include a high heat index and sudden changes in temperature, such as leaving an air-conditioned space. Given the right settings and circumstances, anyone can be put at risk.
Kathy Hazzard, RN, is head of the Health Ministry in Church of the Incarnation Parish, Mantua, and works at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
Parish Nursing is a parish-based ministry under VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden. It combines professional nursing and ministry work in local parish communities. There are currently 35 parish nurse ministries in the Diocese. If you are a nurse or other healthcare professional and would like to learn more about this ministry, contact Nicole Keefer, director of Parish Nursing, at (856) 583-6120 or Nicole.keefer@camdendiocese.org.
Prevention
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening if you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you are outside performing activities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one cup of water every 15 minutes, or about one quart per hour. Water is great, but consider adding sports drinks that contain electrolytes when out in the heat.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and always protect yourself from sunburn.
- Be careful with medications that affect your ability to stay hydrated.
- Move to a cool place as soon as possible.
- Always seek medical attention if symptoms persist, get worse, or if fever and/or confusion develop.
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