By Amy Newcomb
GUIDON staff
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As the summer heats up in mid-Missouri, the potential for heat-related deaths and illness also increases, especially with outdoor activities. Fortunately, these types of incidents are preventable.

“To prevent heat related injuries, just remember: water, rest, shade,” said Anita Dietz, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence safety specialist. “Don’t overdo outdoor activities of any type. You may not feel hot or thirsty, but continue to drink water and rest in the shade. Eat a balanced diet; get plenty of sleep, and be especially watchful of heat injury symptoms if you are taking medications or have had a previous heat injury.”

Also, if you are playing outdoor sports, working out or taking an afternoon run, pay attention to heat advisories, Dietz said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Under normal conditions, sweating cools the body, but under some conditions, sweating isn’t enough.

In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly, and when it reaches a certain temperature it could cause damage to the brain or other vital organs.

“Signs of heat injuries include profuse sweating, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting,” Dietz said. “As the condition worsens, sweating may stop altogether.”

Dietz said if a person is experiencing signs of a heat injury, they should consume more water, find shade and relax.

“If nausea and vomiting prevent rehydration, seek medical attention,” she said. “It is important to recognize that if the person stops sweating or becomes confused, heat stroke — a life-threatening condition — may be developing. Call 911 immediately and move the individual to shade, remove clothing, and try to cool the body with cold, water-soaked sheets or towels … until emergency help arrives.”

Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and more humid than average for the Fort Leonard Wood area, which the community has already experienced. However, Dietz said temperatures do not have to be high to suffer from heat injuries.

“The affects of heat on the body accumulate and produce Cumulative Heat Stress,” Dietz added. “Therefore, heat injuries can occur during cooler temperatures due to heat exposure from the previous few days.”

As the Fort Leonard Wood area continues to experience extreme temperatures, people should drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids even if they aren’t thirsty, such as water, or sports drinks that can replace salt and minerals that are lost due to sweating. Always wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen and try to schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler outside.

For more information, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.