Heat stress a major concern during summer

With the increase in outdoor temperatures also comes an increase in the possibility of heat stress  — possibly even heat exhaustion or heatstroke — but there are some steps you can take to help beat the heat, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.   

“Now that we’re getting into summertime temperatures, and people are looking to stay active outdoors, there are a few basic signs and tips to help be aware of the risks for heat-related illness or hyperthermia,” said Mark Faries, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state health specialist in the agency’s Family and Community Health Unit. “Awareness is important with exposure to a higher heat index or heatwaves, especially for those who might be at higher risk of heat illness.”

Faries said those at higher risk include adults 65 years of age or older, infants, children up to 4-5 years of age and those with existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or obesity.

“However, anyone can succumb to heat with outdoor activity, with added concerns with drinking alcohol, low hydration and even with some medications,” he said.

Faries said it is vital to know the warning signs of heat stress and how it progresses, as well as what to do in response to different levels of heat-induced illness.

“It’s easy for heat stress to sneak up on us when we are engaged in outdoor activities, so learning ways to ‘beat the heat,’ and protect ourselves from the sun are also important for staying healthy during the summer,” he said.

He said that the body naturally heats up during physical activity but has ways to keep itself cool. However, in cases of extreme heat, the body heats up faster and evaporation of sweat cannot keep up to maintain a normal temperature.

“In such instances, heat illness can lead to death,” Faries said. “But since heat illness is progressive, with awareness of the types, symptoms and treatments for initial degrees of heat stress, we can catch any risk early.”