Rising heat leads to risk of dehydration

Enjoying the last month of summer or after-school activities in the great outdoors can become not so great if proper precautions aren't taken to protect against the extreme heat.

As the temperature reaches into the high 90s and even 100s on local thermometers, the risk for dehydration because of heat exposure rises along with it.

Dehydration can be caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination because of uncontrolled diabetes or the use of diuretics, according to the Medline Plus Web site.

Dr. Karen Landers, local health officer for the region, shared a few tips with TimesDaily Staff Writer Sarah Day Owen on how to avoid dehydration in near record-breaking heat.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of dehydration?

A: The first sign people notice when dehydrated is people can feel weak, as if they don't have any energy, and they have decreased urine output. Headache is another one, weakness, dizziness, "cotton mouth," other vague symptoms.

Q: How do you treat

dehydration?

A: Secondary to exposure to extreme temperatures, the best treatment is avoidance. When people know they have to be outside, they should take precautions. The time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., they really shouldn't be out unless they're required to by their job. If you know you're going to be outside, the first thing you need to do is drink fluids, like water and drinks with electrolytes, such as sports drinks.

Another thing that people need to do is wear a hat and wear appropriate lightweight clothing. You can get cool scarves or put a scarf in water and put it around your neck.

Watch for symptoms. If you start having symptoms, get out of the heat, take off unnecessary clothing and start drinking fluids.

People with high blood pressure or heart disease who start feeling symptoms should consult with doctors.

Q: What are the health risks of dehydration in an otherwise healthy person?

A: If you're otherwise healthy and recognize symptoms, then your body should recover.

I've seen people suffer because of their work ethic. They're (working) on top of that roof and they feel like they've pushed themselves. I think the key is to be aware. People shouldn't feel like they can't stop.

Firefighters know what to watch for and get help. Be aware of it in your work and have people with you aware of it, and don't keep forcing

yourself.

If you're taking proper precautions, that will prevent (dehydration) or protect (you from it).

TimesDaily Staff Writer Sarah Day Owen can be reached at 740-5728.