With temperatures continuing to slowly climb, and the call of the outdoors becoming stronger, the risk for heat-related illnesses is a serious threat to outdoors adventurers.
The latter weeks of the summer season typically sees a rise in the “heat index,” which accounts for the combined effects of air temperature and humidity to provide a more accurate estimate of heat stress on the human body. Periods of high heat can also pose additional threats to those who are sensitive to air quality changes, as hot air becomes stagnant and traps emitted pollutants.
From July 12-18, there were 289 emergency room visits in North Carolina for heat-related illnesses, according to the Heat Report published by the N.C. Department of Heath & Human Services. Of those 289 visits, 108 of the occurrences were due to heat exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to the warmer weather.
As of July 18, there were 1,205 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, with the next few weeks, approaching the expected historical peak of the season’s heat-related visits.
How to stay cool
Tips for reducing the risk of heat-related illness:
- Increase your fluid intake.
- Take breaks in cooler or shaded areas.
- Be sure to never leave pets or children unattended in vehicles during hot weather.
- Check with your physician to make sure none of your medicines increase your vulnerability to heat.
- Avoid doing yard work or manual labor on days with a higher-than-normal heat index.