The season for that feeling your hands might melt into the steering wheel has begun — but be warned, that’s hardly the worst effect that scorching days present.
Record weekend temperatures in Florida and reports that Europe is in the grips of the worst heat wave ever recorded, triggering a surge in heat-related deaths, is a reminder that roasting temperatures can have life-threatening consequences. A reported 1,300 excess deaths in Europe have been recorded since June 21, according to a June 28 post on X from Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s director-general.
Here in the United States, a heat dome is expected to impact millions this July 4 weekend.
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, the breakdown of muscle tissue, known as rhabdomyolysis, fainting (heat syncope), heat cramps and heat rash can all result from too much exposure to the heat, with the most serious being heat stroke.
For Floridians, though, there’s some good news. While much of Europe’s housing stock was built for a climate that no longer exists, most of Florida’s was built after air conditioning became mainstream in the 1950s.
“They (Europeans) are not used to the extreme heat that we’re used to here,” says Dr. Laurie Rothman, a primary care physician with Tampa General Hospital Concierge Health with an office in Palm Beach Gardens. “One of the recommendations in extreme heat is to stay in air conditioning, and if you don’t have that available and you’re exposed to the 90s, you might be hotter and more humid inside” a house.
For those without access to air-conditioned indoors, or exercising or working outside in the temperatures that are expected to break records during the Fourth of July week, Rothman and others recommend vigilance for signs that heat exposure is about to become a medical emergency. Having a personal fan can help, she says.
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
A heat emergency can come on suddenly or progress over time, according to literature from the Mayo Clinic. Heat exhaustion is the precursor to the medical emergency that is heatstroke, so it’s important to recognize the signs. They are:
∎ Cool moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.∎ Heavy sweating.∎ Dizziness.∎ Fatigue.∎ Weak, rapid pulse.∎ Low blood pressure upon standing.∎ Muscle cramps.∎ Nausea.∎ Headache.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
Heatstroke is when all the body’s mechanics for regulating temperature break down. Sweat glands don’t produce cooling water. The skin’s blood vessels don’t widen as they should to send the body’s internal spiking temperature to the core.
Here’s what you might experience that should mean dialing 911:
∎ High body temperature, with core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit.∎ Change in mental state demonstrated in confusion, agitation, slurred speech.∎ Skin may turn red and feel hot and dry to the touch; Feeling nauseous or vomiting.∎ Heart rate racing as the heart tries to cool the body.
How do you stay out of the heat’s danger zone?
Babies and older people are the most at risk for complications from the heat, Rothman says.
She sees plenty of evidence that Floridians have the basics drilled into them in the number of water bottles being carried about, she says. Still, Rothman feels compelled to mention key points when all the world seems ablaze and the air resists inhalation.
“If you don’t have great AC, or don’t have AC, you want to keep your curtains closed and keep your blinds closed to try and keep the heat from seeping in,” she said.
Also, be aware of the “feels like” temperature and how it’s making you feel, Rothman said.
“When the humidity is really high … we might not sweat as much, so it’s really important just to kind of be aware, if you start feeling weak or overly tired or dizzy or faint … those signs of heat exhaustion, that’s when it’s time to move to a cool place, drink, some cool water and get some clothing off,” she said.
As for those searing, first few minutes when you climb into your car: “I recommend … getting the windows open for a couple of minutes, just to let all the heat out,” Rothman said.
Anne Geggis is statewide reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA, reporting on health and senior issues. If you have news tips, please send them to ageggis@usatodayco.com. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: One cool fact that makes Florida’s scorching temps safer than Europe’s
Reporting by Anne Geggis, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Anne Geggis, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
