Six Deaths Reported Due to Heat Related Illness

KDHE Reminds Kansans to Take Precautions

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has received six confirmed reports of deaths due to heat related illness in the state. The department is reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from extreme heat. The deaths occurred between July 16 and 20.

• A 65 year-old man in north-central Kansas
• A 67 year-old woman in north-central Kansas
• An 89 year-old man in north-central Kansas
• A 46 year-old man in southeast Kansas
• A 79 year-old man from northeast Kansas
• A 56 year old in south central Kansas

"We regret to learn of this loss of life, and our thoughts are with the families," said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director. "It is a reminder of the importance of protecting yourself from high temperatures by drinking plenty of water, taking breaks from the heat and wearing light colored, loose clothing. Also, please remember to check regularly on relatives and friends who don't have air conditioning."

Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness may be characterized as heat stress, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The most mild heat ailment, 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. Heat exhaustion usually is not life-threatening, but if conditions persist, medical attention will be necessary.

The most serious heat ailment, heat stroke, is a life-threatening condition. 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 symptoms of heat stroke should be considered an emergency and treated immediately. The person should be cooled quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath and taken to the nearest hospital.

"Infants and young children, seniors, people with medical conditions, and those who work or exercise in extreme heat are at greatest risk of heat related illness," stated Rodenberg.

Staying Cool

• When planning to remain in hot environments for extended lengths of time, get acclimated by gradually spending more time in the heat each day over a period of four to seven days.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids. People in the heat should always drink lots of fluids like water, juices, and sport drinks. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages, should be avoided because they actually dehydrate the body. Drink at least a gallon of water a day when spending time outdoors.
  
• When children play outdoors, dress them lightly, and make sure they take frequent breaks indoors and drink plenty of fluids. A child should never be left in a hot, closed car or near a sunny window. Also, young children should wear a sunscreen of SPF 50 to reduce their risk of sunburn. Infants should have very little or no contact with sunlight.
  
• Friends, relatives, and neighbors of elderly people should periodically visit them during the summer months, and take them to a cooler environment if needed. Elderly people without air conditioning are considered at risk for heat-related illness.
  
• Wear loose and light-colored clothing.
  
• Take cool showers.
  
• Take frequent breaks to cool off.
  
• Eat light meals like fruits and salads. Replenish salt and potassium in the body that sweating strips away. Eat apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, beans, broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes to increase potassium.
  
• Schedule outdoor activities for morning and evening, and when outdoors try to stay in the shade.
  
• Spend most of your time indoors and in an air conditioned room. If you do not have air conditioning, most larger communities have places where you can go during heat waves including the local health department, senior citizen center, hospitals, and Red Cross. Also, basements are usually cooler than ground-level floors.
  

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