How to prevent heat-related and life-threatening illnesses during extreme heat

Kettering Health Network ER doctors urge caution during extreme heat.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses.

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Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of these illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, and heavy sweating and headaches. If a person is affected by heat-related illness, they should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink, and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin.

If a person refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Doctors also urge caution when playing and working outside in extreme heat to avoid injuries and life-threatening illnesses. They urge people to dress for the heat, drink water, eat small meals and eat more often, slow down, stay indoors when possible, and be a good neighbor.

For more information on how to avoid injuries and life-threatening illnesses, visit Kettering Health Network's website.

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