Health Dept. Tip: Don't Confuse Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

High temperatures and humidity will make it feel even hotter than the thermometer reads for the next few days. The Westchester County Health Department has issued a heat advisory. As temperatures rise, residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and seek air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat-related illness.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year according to a release from the Westchester County Health Department. Symptoms include hot dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid weak pulse, and confusion. 

Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. The Health Department advises residents call 911 if they suspect heat stroke and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

“Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County commissioner of health. “The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung conditions need to be especially careful. High humidity and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke."

Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are often confused. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, but body temperature remains normal according to the release. To assist someone with heat exhaustion, provide cool non-caffeinated beverages and encourage them to cool off.

The Health Department recommends the following preventive measures against heat-related illnesses:

• NEVER leave children, pets or those who need special care in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed car can quickly soar to more than 140 degrees inside and this can be life-threatening.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, the very young and those with special needs.
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place.  If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending time at a shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store.  A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back to a warmer place.
• Some municipalities open or extend hours at some public buildings to create cooling centers. Check with your local city, town or village for the latest updates.
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor of at least 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Try to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.when it is strongest.
• Assure pets have enough water and food and limit their exercise during high temperature times.

For more information and tips for safety during hot weather, please visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.