Health Department Issues Heat/Water Conservation Advisory DOH Confirming 2nd Arkansas Death from Heat Disorder

August 1, 2006

Little Rock -- Hot temperatures and high humidity are a dangerous mix that contributes to illness and death. The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health (DOH), is confirming the second heat related death in the state this year. This person was elderly and resided in the central area of the state. Members of the media have reported additional deaths, but the DOH cannot confirm a death until a physician or a coroner’s office sends a death certificate to the Arkansas Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1979 –2002, excessive heat exposure caused 8,966 deaths in the United States. The 1995 heat wave in the Midwest contributed to 716 heat-related deaths in the U.S. that year alone. The heat wave of 1980 was an especially hard one for Arkansas—153 heat-related deaths. Last year, 11 Arkansas heat related deaths were reported to the DOH.

While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are the most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone—even strong, healthy athletes can be stricken. Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through the skin and perspiration. Problems occur when we are unable to shed excess heat. When our heat gain exceeds the amount we can get rid of, our temperature begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop. While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are the most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone—even strong, healthy athletes. The following heat disorders are progressive and should be attended to immediately.

• Heat cramps. These are the result of prolonged muscular pain caused by severe salt depletion due to heavy sweating. Treatment includes salt replacement, cooling down and gentle massage.
  
  
• Heat exhaustion. This is the most common illness caused by heat and often occurs while the person is working outside or attending outside events in extremely hot, humid weather. The victim may complain of weakness and feel faint. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache and confusion. The person should be moved to a cooler place, and wet cloths applied for cooling down. Fluid and salt should be replaced. Depending on the severity of the illness, hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary. This condition usually comes just before heat stroke.
  
  
• Heat stroke (also called sunstroke). This is a life-threatening condition in which the victim’s temperature-control system stops working. Sweating stops completely, and the body’s temperature can rise so high that the nervous system, the brain and other organs can be damaged permanently. Death may occur if the body is not cooled quickly. The symptoms of heat stroke include sudden high fever, dry skin, delirium, convulsions and seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency--call 911 and cool the person as fast as you can. Ice, a cold bath, and wet sheets are recommended until medical help arrives.

Those who work, exercise, or participate in strenuous activity, such as football practice, for an hour or more during intense heat may lose or sweat up to two quarts of water. If you must pursue intense activity during hot weather, follow these safety tips.

• Drink plenty of water; fluid replacement is crucial to avoid heat risks. Drink more water than usual before exercising or working in the heat. (If you are elderly or taking medication, ask your doctor about fluid intake recommendations.)
  
  
• Schedule your strenuous activity during the coolest time of the day.
  
  
• Monitor how you feel. If you have difficulty maintaining your regular pace, slow down. Elderly people should avoid staying shut-up indoors during heat waves without using air conditioning.

More than half of the 700 heat-related deaths in the 1995 Chicago heat wave could have been prevented with an air conditioner in the home, according to a published study. Experts say fans are apparently not effective against heat illness during intense heat waves. If you cannot afford an air conditioner for your home, spend more time in other air conditioned environments.

Moreover, the extreme hot and dry weather will place increased demands on public water supplies. The Division of Health is issuing a heat/water conservation advisory as a result of the recent soaring temperatures.

During the hot and dry weather in Arkansas, the demand for public water is high. Many water systems in the state struggle to maintain normal tank levels in the face of heavy demand. However, the individual water customer can have the single greatest impact on a water system’s ability to keep up with consumption. Wise use of water by individual customers can make a dramatic difference in whether shortages are experienced.

According to Division of Health records, the community public water systems listed below are currently under some type of conservation program. Customers of these water systems are strongly encouraged to make every effort to limit non-essential use of water until notified by the utility that the shortage is over.

The following is a list of water saving measures for homeowners to cut water usage.

• Water your lawn only when it needs it. Deep soak the lawn rather than sprinkling lightly which tends to evaporate quickly.
  
  
• Water during the cool part of the day such as early morning. Don’t waste water on gutters, driveways, and sidewalks.
  
  
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will hold moisture longer and slow evaporation.
  
  
• Use automatic dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
  
  
• Don’t let the faucet run when cleaning vegetables or washing dishes. Rinse them in a stoppered sink or pan of clean water. Similarly, don’t let the water continuously run when brushing your teeth or shaving.
  
  
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running tap water to cool it off for drinking is wasteful.
  
  
• Check faucets, pipes, and toilets for drips or leaks. Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.

By practicing good water conservation efforts and by adhering to heat disorder prevention guidelines, Arkansans can stay healthy and safe during the hot, summer months.

For more information on heat disorders, go to the Internet and click on http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.

###