Summer is back in northeast and central Wisconsin, bringing with it the excitement of outdoor activities like swimming, boating, cycling, hiking and many more favorite pastimes.
Summer weather also often brings with it a number of heat-related health challenges for many people, especially when temperatures soar. A study on heat-related deaths in the United States between 1999 and 2023 found that 2023 – the hottest year on record – recorded the most deaths in which heat was cited as a contributing cause. In 2023, there were more than 2,300 heat-related deaths reported in the U.S., compared to just over 300 in 2004.
Have fun this summer, just remember to keep safety top of mind, said Dr. William Kumprey, Associate Chief Medical Officer of ThedaCare Emergency Medicine.
“Becoming overheated can be a serious health concern,” he said. “It takes our bodies several days to adjust to hot, humid conditions. This makes people who work, exercise and play outdoors more susceptible to heat issues during stretches of unseasonably warm weather.”
Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness falls into two main categories, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is the less severe type. It can occur when a person loses excessive fluid and salt through sweating.
Those at increased risk of heat exhaustion include:
- Infants or people over the age of 65.
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions or those on certain medications.
- People who work outside.
- Athletes exerting themselves outdoors.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale or clammy skin
- Rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Weakness or tiredness
- Headache
“With heat exhaustion, people need to get into a cooler environment, rest and drink fluids,” Dr. Kumprey said. “If symptoms don’t improve after an hour, seek medical care.”
Heatstroke, the second type of heat-related illness, is a medical emergency. It occurs when a person’s core temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit, producing more heat than the body can release. Left untreated, it may damage the heart, brain and central nervous system.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Flushed, hot and dry skin without sweating.
- Rapid pulse and breathing.
- Throbbing headache.
- Upset stomach, with nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Dizziness, confusion, irritability or loss of consciousness.
Call 911 if heatstroke is suspected, Dr. Kumprey said. While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, follow these steps:
- Move the person into the shade.
- Use cool cloths or ice packs to try to cool them down.
- Get the person into a cool bath, if available.
- Don’t try to give someone with heatstroke anything to drink if they have an altered level of consciousness, as this may compromise their ability to breathe.
Car Safety
“It’s never appropriate to leave a child or pet in the car during the summer,” Dr. Kumprey said. “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data tells us that approximately 40 children die each year in the United States after being left in a car.”
And leaving a car window open is not enough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s because temperatures inside a car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.
Planning ahead for extreme heat may help keep people safe, Dr. Kumprey said. He recommended these steps:
- Pay attention to weather forecasts, especially heat advisories and warnings.
- Plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, if possible.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest times of the day.
“It’s crucial to heed the signs of heat-related illness,” Dr. Kumprey said. “Take the appropriate steps to keep yourself and others safe and call 911 in the event of suspected heatstroke.”
ThedaCare is dedicated to providing close-to-home care to the communities it serves. Emergency care is available at hospitals throughout northeast and central Wisconsin, including the newly opened ThedaCare Medical Center-Fond du Lac.
