The heat is on — remember to play it cool when temps are high

On July 4, Earth saw its hottest recorded temperature ever, and Pennsylvania has been no stranger to the extreme heat. Mark Trueman, deputy chief and director, Prehospital Care, UPMC in North Central Pa. has seen an increase in patients needing care for heat-related illnesses.

"Typically, the uptick in emergency responses we see are not only those related to respiratory emergencies and heart emergencies, but the elderly, from a demographic standpoint, tend to be most often affected in these times," he said.

"Everyone should stay cool, stay hydrated, and obviously stay informed, but we definitely should focus our attention towards the elderly," Trueman says "whether they're our family or our neighbors, just just check in to assure that they have some temperature regulation through fans and air conditioning, and make sure that they have enough water multiple times through the day."

Michael stresses the point of what a double edged sword technology can be. "I think what's most important, especially about the elderly, is we all benefit sometimes from weather apps that keep us aware minute by minute, but sometimes the elderly don't check those as frequently, or they're not as accustomed to using those types of technology," Trueman said. "That really just adds an emphasis on the human aspect of just making sure that they're cool, they're hydrated, and we help them stay informed beyond just seeing the weather outside our window."

"It's something to be prepared for, and if you're technology savvy, you're better prepared, but if not, it does have an impact on your ability to stay informed, and I think that's a really important point," he said.

In addition to the elderly, children and pets are among those most likely to be averse to the soaring temperatures.

"Don't leave them in cars, obviously -- even a cracked window is unacceptable," Trueman said. "You want to make sure that children hydrate themselves, and with athletic events that are going on, picking the best time for events may not be mid-day for practices, wait until the sun sets a little bit. With pets, they rely on us to make sure they're hydrated as well."

As with outdoor activities for children, it is just as important to weigh the impact on pets.

"Pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters and burn a dog's paw pads," said Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club. For example, an air temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit translates to an asphalt temperature of 135 degrees.

"To find out if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on, place your hand (or bare foot) comfortably on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws," Klein said.

Being self-aware is one of the biggest factors in not overdoing it in the summer heat.

"Thirst is a good first warning sign that you've not consumed enough water or other electrolyte solution. So when thirst starts, that really should be your first tip that you need to take a break and you need to rehydrate," Michael said. "Beyond that, as heat-related emergencies get worse, skin will become flushed, they start perspiring excessively, then later, their level of consciousness and how weak they are, and how they respond. Those really are critical moments, and it prompts emergencies. Another early sign is if you're cramping in any way, you become a little bit nauseated and cramped in your gut.

"These are not signs and symptoms to ignore. It's your body telling you that you need to get inside to a cool place, and start rehydrating and limiting your physical exercise."

Trueman shared some steps to take in case of overheating.

"It's always safe to cool yourself off, but you'd never want to cool yourself off to the point that you're shivering. Ice cold water sometimes makes you nauseated, and you obviously don't want to vomit. By no means we want to distract from making sure people drink plenty of fluids. Hydrate is the most important aspect, other than changing your environment and decreasing the amount of exercise in that peak time of day when you're most vulnerable."

"I think definitely staying informed," Michael says of trying to avoid complications from the hot and humid conditions, "and planning your activities against the weather, and being smart in regards to it. When a heat advisories out, it means that heat index, the temperature and the humidity is significant to your health," Trueman continues, "so, avoid mid-day activities. If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks. Make sure you have plenty of water with you. I think those really are the best prevention methods out there."

While dangerous conditions may have abated for now, August is historically the hottest month for the northern hemisphere, and with the Little League World Series right around the corner, there is plenty of summer left.

"The most common health emergency we have at Little League is heat related," Trueman states."It's a confined environment with a long walk up the hill from the parking lot, and mid-day games when the temperatures and humidity are high. That prompts a lot of folks to have underestimated the significance of those advisories.

"Typically, the number of visits we have at first aid is around 500 to 600, and I would say an estimate of those, 25 to 30% of them are heat related. The hot days are busy, let's put it that way," Trueman says.

To keep up to date with the latest forecasts and advisories, please visit www.weather.gov/ctp.