This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

July 22, 2019 |  By: Lily Lopez

Health educator gives precaution tips for heat-related illnesses

As the heat begins to ramp up even more, it is important to take precaution against heat-related illnesses and spot the signs and symptoms to be able to react appropriately and possibly save a life.

RN and Health Educator for the Nodaway County Health Department, Kathryn Hawley, says the body's normal defenses uses sweating to cool down, but when the body temperature raises too rapidly the body is unable to cope, which can lead to the most dangerous heat illness, heat stroke.

"Some signs and symptoms of heat stroke are when the body temperature rises to about 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.  You become hot, red, dry, damp skin, fast strong pulse.  You may experience a headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and may even pass out."

Hawley urges everyone to act immediately and call 911 if they believe they or someone they know is suffering a heat stroke.

"Call 911 right away as a heat stroke is a medical emergency.  You want to move the person to a cooler place and help the person's body temperature to cool.  Maybe place the person in a tub with cool water or a cooler shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, place ice packs or wet towels on the neck, armpits, and groin area."

Other heat illnesses to protect yourself against include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and sunburns. Those at great risk to heat illnesses are infants, childred up to 4 years of age, people 65 years of age or older, those who are overweight, people with high blood pressure, and those on certain medications.

Make sure to wear light breathable clothing, drink plenlty of fluids, visit a public building with air conditioning, and limit your sun exposure.