Local health officials warn of excessive heat

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June 20, 2012

Local health officials warn of excessive heat

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Wed Jun 20, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

With hot weather moving into the area today, the first day of summer, health officials said there are some steps that area residents can take to stay healthy.

High pressure off to the south will be bringing warmer air in the area today and Thursday, said National Weather Service in Binghamton Meteorologist Mitch Gilt, adding that temperatures could reach 94 degrees both days. On Thursday night, a front from the Great Lakes will bring in cooler air with temperatures in the upper 70s Friday through Sunday.

"The body is a sensitive machine," Bassett Medical Center Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. August Leinhart said. "It will do everything it can to keep you cool. When that fails, you can get sick."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year because of the summer's sweltering heat. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

Chenango County Public Health educator Chris Meenan said preparation and knowledge are the two best methods of avoiding trouble. Those who can should find a good place to cool down during the day, such as a mall, library of friend's home, she said. The elderly, who along with young children are the most at risk from heat-related problems, should have someone check on them, she said.

Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, can interfere with sweating, which is an important method for the body to cool down, she said, adding that high humidity makes sweat less effective.

People should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, she said. Take breaks to avoid being outside during the hottest hours, usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., she said, and use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be dangerous, Meenan said. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea and dizziness; heat stroke can include confusion and seizure.

For heat stroke -- where the body cannot control its temperature -- Meenan said to seek immediate medical assistance, move to a cool, shade area and remove excess clothes and apply cool water.

For heat exhaustion, Meenan recommended rest in a cool area, drink plenty of water of cool beverages, take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

Leinhart said the emergency department does not keep records on how many people it treats each year with heat-related illnesses. People who are most vulnerable are the elderly and the very young, those with heart conditions and those who are otherwise immobile or debilitated, he said.

Heat stroke can be deadly but it is relatively rare, Leinhart said. But this kind of weather can cause heat illnesses, with symptoms including vomiting and nausea, but not confusion, that are treatable with intravenous fluids, Leinhart said.

The best way to avoid that is to drink a lot of fluids, minimize exposure time and cool down as soon as possible. A fan and a cool wash cloth are a low-cost way to deal with hot weather, he said.

At Nader Towers, a 112-unit income-based public housing unit, Oneonta Housing Authority Executive Director Kurt Schulte said tenants are ready for the weather. Residents have chosen to purchase air conditioners in 71 of the units. On the first floor, the community and dining rooms are air-conditioned. Any resident who needs to can use those areas to cool down, he said, and staff is always on call.

Brian Lundy has lived in the building for 13 months. He was in the community room watching television Tuesday. He has no air conditioning because there is usually a nice breeze in his room, he said. But when he needs to cool down, he comes downstairs, he said.

To stay healthy during hot weather, "It's important that people stay hydrated," Delaware County Public Health education coordinator Heather Warner said. The amount varies depending on the individual, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol should be avoided, she said, adding that water is best.

People should avoid being outside, but if they must because of work, she encouraged them to use sunscreen and wear cooler, light-colored clothes.

"Don't leave pets or children alone in a closed car, where it can get hotter faster," she added.

The Delhi Police Department gets cases like that on occasion, Chief Michael Mills said Tuesday. The most recent was Saturday, when the temperatures exceeded 80 degrees. As a result, Michael Nguyen, 40, of Charlotteville, was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for confinement of a companion animal in a vehicle during extreme temperatures, a violation of state Agriculture and Market laws that carries a fine of $150 for a first offense. Officers were able to unlock the car and get the dog to safety, Mills said.