Beat Heat-Related Illness

Extreme heat kills. More than 500 New Yorkers died prematurelylast year from preventable heat illness. If you’re an older adult or have other health conditions like heart disease or asthma, you’re at even higher risk.

New Yorkers need to be extra careful during hot summer months. Extreme heat means high heat and humidity with temperatures that are much higher than normal (10 degrees or more) lasting for several days.

Here are a few tips for staying healthy in the heat.

DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS

Rule number one: don’t let yourself become dehydrated. Bump up your beverage intake – plain water is best – and try to keep ahead of getting too thirsty. It’s also important to be aware that alcoholic and sugary drinks can accelerate the body’s dehydration.

NOTE: if your doctor limits your fluid intake or has you on water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms.

Hot, dry skin
Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Fast, strong pulse
Weakness
Dizziness

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when you know you’ll be out and about on a very hot or sunny day. It’s tempting to wear as little as possible, but in many cases a light covering helps provide the body a bit of shade while letting sweat escape.

WEAR A HAT

Don’t let the sun fry your brain! Shade that dome with a light-colored hat – a brim can protect your nose, neck, and shoulders from those burning rays of the sun.

SEEK SHADE OR FIND A COOLING CENTER

Walk on the shady side of the street, pause under a leafy tree, or duck into a store to soak up some AC. If you don’t have an air conditioner at home, cool off in the bath or shower or seek out a cooling center. Check in on elderly neighbors and make sure they are staying cool, too.

LIMIT OUTDOOR EXERCISE, AVOID THE HOTTEST HOURS

Take it easy – stay indoors, lay low during the hottest parts of the day, and limit strenuous activity to early morning and the cooler evening hours.

BE MINDFUL OF CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED, AND THE INFIRM

Babies, young children, and the elderly are more vulnerable to heat and should be checked on often. People with mental health issues may require our help to ensure they are taking hot-weather precautions and drinking enough. And naturally those already vulnerable due to chronic conditions, high blood pressure, or heart disease should take extra precautions and receive extra care.

“Heat-related illnesses can be dangerous or potentially fatal even to people who are otherwise in very good physical condition. Extended periods in high temperatures, inadequate fluid intake, and overexertion can all lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat stroke. So it’s extremely important to familiarize yourself with high-temperature coping strategies, and to help others stay safe as well.”

-RAJ GULATI, MD,
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
Chief of Adult Emergency Service,
Director of Emergency Services

Resources for managing extreme heat

Sun Safety