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P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Triple-digit heat poses health risk

It’s back … weather that sends rattlesnakes to the shade and children to the swimming pools. Triple-digit temperatures. Humidity that shrivels cactus.

July throughout most of Idaho is off to a blazing start. Two record highs were eclipsed in Boise in the first five days of July and maximum temperatures have been in the mid- to upper 90s every day since the July 1 high of 90 in Boise.

With record highs and low humidity comes the potential for danger, from forest and range fires to heat stroke.

“Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits,” according to the July issue of Emergency Preparedness produced by the Ada City-County Emergency Management (ACCEM) office. “During an average summer, approximately 200 people across our country die as a result of high summer temperatures.

“Under normal conditions, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body, however, in extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal body temperature.”

Over-exposure to heat and over-exertion are responsible for most heat-related disorders, the report indicates.

Individuals can take measures to mitigate the effects of soaring temperatures:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing: Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
  • Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
  • Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. As diuretics, they amplify heat’s effect on the body by dehydrating the body.
  • Eat small meals and avoid foods that are high in protein that increase the metabolic rate.
  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Not only can sunburn damage the skin, but also even mild sunburns can keep the skin from compensating for excessive heat.

More information about the treatment of heat emergencies, symptoms of heat emergencies and terms related to physical heat conditions is available in ACCEN’s newsletter (see PDF).

Published 7-13-07