Summer in northwestern Pennsylvania can be very hot and very humid - prime weather for heat-related conditions like sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses cause somewhere between 200 and 400 deaths per year in the United States on average. Heat waves can catapult this figure to more than 1500 - a 1995 heat wave killed 91 people in Milwaukee and 465 in Chicago alone. The very young and very old are most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, although people of all ages can suffer each of these conditions.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness; it is a medical emergency. If someone has signs of heat stroke, they must be treated immediately. Lack of body fluids, high temperatures, and exposure to the elements can all bring about heat stroke - you do not have to be physically active. If you are with someone experiencing signs of heat stroke, there are some first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive: get the person inside or in a shady area, out of the heat, and have them lie down with their feet slightly elevated; remove clothing and apply cool water to the skin; apply ice packs to the groin and underarm area; fan them with something to keep them cool.

Symptoms of heat stroke include: headaches, dizziness, disorientation or confusion, skin that is hot and dry - not sweaty, rapid pulse, hallucinations, fatigue, or seizures. You do not have to have all these symptoms to be experiencing heat stroke.

The risk of heat stroke can be reduced by: drinking plenty of fluids, especially when outdoors on hot days - water and sports drinks with electrolytes are the best choices - avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; wear sunglasses and a hat, or use an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun - hats should be removed if you feel yourself getting warm; increase outdoor time gradually to allow your body to get used to the heat; take frequent drink breaks during outdoor activities, and mist yourself with a spray bottle.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Excessive heat and dehydration can cause your body temperature to rise to 102 degrees or higher. Heat exhaustion is also a very serious condition that should be monitored closely, as it can lead to heat stroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke - the biggest difference is that with heat exhaustion, the victim will usually be sweaty, whereas with heat stroke, the victim's skin will typically

Continued on page 3...