As the summer season continues to roll along, public health officials are still urging everyone to be mindful of heat-related illnesses.

Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin says there are three main stages that people tend to go through when dealing with heat-related illnesses. She explains the initial stage is heat cramps, which is caused by your body losing fluids and electrolytes through sweating either during and after intense exercise in hot environments. She suggests moving the individual to a cooler or shaded area, massage the affected parts of the body and drink water or electrolyte sports drinks. 

Cooklin points out the second level is heat exhaustion where the body tends to overheat due to prolonged exposure to higher temperatures and not having adequate fluid intake. She describes the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion includes cold, pale or clammy skin; a fast and weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness or fainting and headaches. In addition to moving the person to a cooler environment and drinking fluids, Cooklin advises to loosen tight clothing, and apply cool or wet cloths to the body. 

Cooklin notes the most severe heat-related illness is heat stroke, which is caused by a rapid increase in the body’s temperature, due to the inability to self regulate. She says the symptoms with heat stroke are the internal temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot, red or dry skin; a rapid and strong pulse, along with confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. She stresses to contact 911, move the person to a cooler environment, use ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin; and only give water if they are conscious. 

Cooklin adds that even on days where it is mostly cloudy and not a lot of prevalent sunshine, does not mean heat-related illnesses can’t happen.

“Humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, which is how the body cools down. Even on cloudy or overcast days, the heat and humidity can still cause heat-related illness. So precautions are still very important, even on cloudy days.”   

Cooklin says to contact Greene County Public Health at 515-386-3228 for more information or with any questions.