All articles tagged with #heat related illnesses
The US military is developing new guidelines and tools to prevent and better diagnose exertional rhabdomyolysis, a serious muscle breakdown condition caused by exertion and heat, which has increasingly affected troops and can lead to severe health issues or death.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency caused by the body's inability to regulate temperature, with symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Bystanders should move affected individuals to a cool area and seek immediate medical help. Less severe heat illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Extreme heat can also worsen underlying health conditions, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, those with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers. Precautions include staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and never leaving children or pets in hot cars.
Research shows homeless people in the US are 27 times more likely to visit emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses than the general population, highlighting the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on vulnerable groups amid rising temperatures and climate change. The study emphasizes the urgent need for policies providing better shelter, cooling centers, and affordable housing to protect at-risk populations.
Auburn University is installing heat sensors around their stadium to identify hot spots and assist fans with heat-related illnesses during football games. The sensors will help determine the best locations for cooling stations, and campus safety is also installing air conditioning systems in the concourse to keep fans cool.
With an excessive heat warning in place, City Utilities provides recommendations to stay cool and keep energy bills low, including using a smart thermostat, cleaning air filters, closing drapes and shades, using ceiling fans counterclockwise, and cooking with small appliances. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department advises staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and seeking shade. Cooling centers are available in air-conditioned buildings, and symptoms of heat exhaustion should be monitored closely.
Sixteen people were hospitalized and 35 showed signs of heat-related illnesses during a Snoop Dogg concert in The Woodlands, Texas. The Atascocita Fire Department and Montgomery County Hospital District responded to assist overheated concert-goers, with 16 individuals being transported to nearby hospitals in stable condition.
Thirty-eight students from Prairie View A&M University in Texas were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses after participating in Panther Camp activities. Emergency medical professionals were dispatched to the scene to treat the students, with one patient being airlifted. Waller County officials advised individuals to stay indoors due to the extreme Texas heat. PVAMU administrators are evaluating future programs, and students are encouraged to monitor themselves and others for symptoms and call 911 if necessary.
At least 108 attendees at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea have been treated for heat-related illnesses, with two still in treatment. The event, which brought over 40,000 scouts to a campsite in Buan, is taking place during one of South Korea's hottest summers in years. Concerns have been raised about the lack of shade and refuge from the heat, prompting the organizing committee to add more medical staff and implement safety measures. The country has raised its hot weather warning to the highest level for the first time in four years, with at least 16 deaths reported due to heat-related illnesses.
Extreme heat poses a threat to people with chronic illnesses, particularly those with diabetes. The combination of compromised sweat glands and increased blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Diabetic patients are advised to stay hydrated with water, be cautious of hot surfaces due to weakened nerves, and bring their medicine indoors promptly.
Phoenix, Arizona, has experienced a month of record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 110 degrees for 31 consecutive days. The extreme heat has overwhelmed hospitals with patients suffering from heat stroke and burns, caused air-conditioners to break down at homeless shelters, and led to an increase in heat-related deaths. Homeless individuals and vulnerable populations are particularly affected, struggling to find relief from the scorching temperatures. The heat wave has also taken a toll on the environment, with saguaro cactuses collapsing and vegetation turning yellow. The city is grappling with the challenges of providing shelter and support to those in need during this prolonged period of extreme heat.
Local hospitals in Springfield, Missouri are urging people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as temperatures remain high. CoxHealth and Mercy hospitals have treated a significant number of heat-related illnesses this year, with numbers down compared to last year but expected to increase as outdoor activities and sports events resume. Tips to prevent heat-related illnesses include staying out of the heat, drinking plenty of clear liquids, and watching out for symptoms of heat stroke. It is important to seek medical help if someone shows signs of confusion or disorientation in the heat.
Phoenix residents are rationing their air conditioning usage due to fears of high electricity bills as record-breaking heat turns homes into "air fryers." With temperatures consistently above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius), some residents are cutting back on AC, trying to bear the heat, while others are implementing strategies to keep their utility bills down during the most expensive hours. The heatwave has led to a spike in heat-related illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those on limited incomes who are making dangerous tradeoffs to save money. The Salvation Army has set up cooling stations to provide relief for those who cannot afford adequate air conditioning.
Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida have been issued an Excessive Heat Warning, the second time ever, with heat index values expected to reach up to 112 degrees. The warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, while a regular heat advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service advises people to stay hydrated, avoid the sun if possible, and reschedule strenuous activities to cooler times of the day. The extreme heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
A dangerous and lengthy heat wave is sweeping across the United States, with cities breaking record-high temperatures. Over 91 million people in 15 states are under heat warnings, and about 80 million are expected to experience temperatures above 105 degrees. Cooling centers have been opened to provide relief for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and the homeless. The US has set hundreds of record-high temperatures in the past week, and more are expected. Heat-related injuries and deaths have already occurred. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is exacerbating the situation. People are finding ways to cope, including seeking shelter in cooling centers and using creative methods to stay cool.
Miami-Dade County in South Florida is under an excessive heat warning, the first time the region has experienced such conditions. The National Weather Service has issued the warning due to the potential for a feels-like temperature of 112 degrees, which could tie the all-time hottest heat index on record. In addition, severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued for parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Officials are urging people to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, to prevent heat-related illnesses.