IDAHO – The first two heat-related deaths in Idaho this year have been reported to the Division of Public Health. Both Idaho residents were over the age of 60.
“Please stay safe if you head outdoors this summer,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho public health medical director. “Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat with a brim, and be aware that even if it’s cool in the morning temperatures can rise a lot during the day this time of year.”
Temperatures this weekend are forecast to get close to 100F in the southern areas of Idaho. Late June and early July usually usher in the hot weather season in Idaho, and Idahoans should take precautions to ensure they stay safe.
Anyone can get heat-related illnesses, but those at greater risk are young children, older adults, and people who are overweight or have underlying health conditions, or take certain medications that reduce the body’s ability to stay cool.
Be aware of symptoms of heat-related illness and how to treat them
The most serious type of heat-related illness is heatstroke, a medical emergency. Symptoms may include high body temperature, hot red skin, confusion or seizures, nausea, dizziness, and fainting. If someone experiences these symptoms and cannot quickly get medical care, call 911 right away. Move to a cooler place and use cool wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin, or soak clothing with cool water or give a cool bath to help lower body temperature. Speed cooling with a fan. Do not give a person with heatstroke anything to drink, as they may not be able to swallow correctly and could inhale the fluid instead of swallowing it.
Heat exhaustion may occur before symptoms of heatstroke. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, irritability, thirst, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and cold, clammy skin. Someone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cool place, loosen clothes, use cool cloths or a cool bath to help lower body temperature, and sip cool water frequently. Get medical help right away if vomiting starts, symptoms get worse, or symptoms last longer than an hour.
The best ways to prevent heat-related illness include staying cool and well-hydrated. To do this you can:
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Limit outdoor activity to the coolest hours of morning and evening
- Stop activity and get into the shade if your heart is pounding and you are gasping for breath
- Avoid hot and heavy meals
- Drink plenty of fluids — at least one cup of water every 15–20 minutes for moderate activities lasting less than two hours. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Avoid alcohol and drinks with high caffeine or sugar
- Replace salt and minerals with a low-sugar sports drink. Talk to your doctor first if you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen if you will be outside longer than two hours.
Stay informed about temperature forecasts and extreme heat alerts by checking your local news or www.weather.gov. Monitor your companions when recreating or working in the heat.
Additional resources:
- CDC’s Natural Disasters and Severe Weather — Extreme Heat: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/
extremeheat/index.html - National Park Service: Beat the Heat: Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses: https://www.nps.gov/articles/
heat-illness.htm - S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety Directorates — Hyperthermia: A Clear and Present Danger
