High temps should be taken seriously

By Murray Montgomery

Staff Writer

There’s no doubt that summer has arrived in Texas. In our area, we’ve been dealing with temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees for days – and it doesn’t cool off much when the sun goes down. Even at night, we may see 70 to 80 degrees. High temperature along with high humidity are a deadly combo when it comes to heat-related diseases.

Two phases of excess heat can harm unprotected people  – the first phase is heat exhaustion and if it isn’t immediately dealt with, it can lead to the deadly phase of heat stroke

Heat Exhaustion

According to the Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion can be diagnosed fairly quickly if the patient has a rapid pulse and excessive sweating. The sweating causes rapid dehydration. More symptoms include fatigue and weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Prevention measures include: drinking plenty of water, wearing a hat and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. 

Heat Stroke

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the most dangerous result of excessive heat exposure – it is hardest on the elderly. They are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to various factors such as the decreased ability to regulate body temperature, chronic medical conditions, and certain medications. Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke and taking preventive measures are crucial to ensuring the well-being of the elderly during hot weather. The CDC defines heat stroke as, “a life-threatening condition that causes your body to overheat. It's defined as a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).” 

Other signs to watch out for include hot, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Preventing heat stroke in the elderly starts with ensuring proper hydration. As people age, their sense of thirst may diminish, making them less likely to drink enough fluids. It is essential to encourage them to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. 

Additionally, avoiding beverages that can contribute to dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks, is crucial. Another preventive measure is to stay in a cool environment. Elderly individuals should limit their exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. 

Finally, some medications, such as blood-pressure pills, may contribute to the problem. Any older person living alone, during hot weather, should be checked on regularly.

Those of us living in this part of Texas are used to this situation – we face it every year. So, we deal with it and pray the AC doesn’t break.