The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) wishes to remind all Kansans to make the responsible choice and protect themselves from the hot summer temperatures. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. When temperatures soar close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with excessive humidity leaving you sweltering and sticky, you should be careful to protect both yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness.

What is "Extreme Heat"? During the summer months (June to September) Kansas experiences deceptively dangerous temperatures. The National Weather Service has studied weather conditions in many areas of the country and has developed a formula that takes into account factors such as temperature, humidity, amount of cloudiness and expected duration of heat. These factors together help to tell the forecasters when a potentially life threatening heat emergency will take place.

Heat: A Major Killer

Individuals at high risk for heat-related Illness:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service has identified the elderly, children, and pets as prospective targets for heat-related Illnesses. Check on family, friends and neighbors without air conditioning, including the elderly who are more vulnerable falling ill due to the heat. Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down. Ensure your pets have free access to fresh drinking water and are not suffering due to the heat.

Heat-related illnesses

• Heat stress includes faintness, painful muscle spasms and cramps and prickly heat caused by a skin rash from clogged pores. Heat stress is caused by loss of fluids and minerals in the body needed for proper muscle function.
   
• Heat exhaustion, which is more serious, includes headache, dizziness, clammy skin, muscle fatigue, chest pain, breathing problems and nausea. Medical attention is necessary if these conditions persist.
   
• Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that should be considered an emergency. Headache, hot and dry skin, temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and shallow breathing, disorientation and changes in consciousness are all symptoms of heat stroke. The person should be cooled quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath and taken to the nearest hospital

Tips to prevent heat-related illness

• Spend more time indoors
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully; try to schedule activities early in the day or later in the evening
• Limit outdoor activities; take frequent breaks to cool off
• Monitor people at high risk (elderly, children, pets, etc.)
• Eat light meals

For more information visit:

• http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat/
• http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml
• http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=noaaexcessiveheat#car
• http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/about/heatguidebook.html