Hot weather is a part of life in Texas, but long stretches of record-breaking heat and drought are extraordinary. During these prolonged heat waves, the risk of heat-related illnesses, injuries and deaths climbs dramatically.

WHAT IS THE DANGER?

According to health experts, one of the most dangerous factors during excessively hot weather is the addition of humidity. The combination of heat and humidity results in heat stress on humans and animals by interfering with the body's ability to cool itself through sweating. Victims of prolonged or high heat stress can develop heat cramps or heat exhaustion. If heat stress continues, the condition can progress to heat stroke and death.

WHAT ARE HEAT ILLNESS SYMPTOMS?

The warning signs of heat illness can be mild or severe, but all are important danger signals. The most serious heat-related conditions are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• profuse sweating
• paleness
• muscle cramps
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• a weak-but-rapid pulse
• fast and shallow breathing
• fainting

If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when your body's cooling system fails. Sweating stops and the body temperature can quickly exceed 106 ^oF. Among heat stroke's symptoms are:

• extremely high (usually more than 105 ^oF orally) body temperature
• red and dry skin
• failure to sweat
• rapid pulse
• throbbing headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• confusion
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Coma, paralysis and death can follow if emergency treatment is not immediately given.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

Prolonged or intense heat stress can be fatal to anyone, but people older than 60 appear to have the highest risk for death from health illnesses, especially if they are frail, or have pre-existing heart disease, respiratory problems or diabetes. To a lesser extent, babies and young children - especially those left unattended in cars or enclosures - people with a history of alcoholism and others using certain drugs and medications are at high risk of heat illness.

People most at risk of heat illness from exertion may include: athletes, military personnel, manual laborers, farm workers and people who have diabetes or are obese. Anyone unused to high temperature and humidity may become ill during exertion.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH HEAT ILLNESS?

If the victim shows signs of heat exhaustion, help the victim to gradually cool off with water or non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks. Other treatments may include cool showers, rest in an air-conditioned place and wearing less clothing. If the victim shows signs of heat stroke, get the victim into shade or a cooler area, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical service and use any means to start cooling, such as immersing in cool water, spraying with a garden hose or fanning vigorously. Continue cooling efforts until the victim's temperature drops to 101-102 ^oF. If emergency personnel have not arrived, call a hospital for advice. Get medical help as soon as possible.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID HEAT STRESS?

Using common sense to stay cool is the most important protection and taking responsibility to help older people, young children and others is the most important protection a family or community has for the health of all its members. In excessive heat:

• drink two-to-five times more than usual amounts of water and non-sugar, non-alcoholic beverages to replace fluids lost in perpiration.
• wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats while in the sun.
• use sunscreens with an SPF 15 or more.
• take frequent breaks limiting physical activity. If warning signs, such as pounding heart and shortness of breath occur, stop to rest in a cooler place.
• stay in an air-conditioned area if possible. People who lack air conditioning at home may spend the hot hours of the day in air-conditioned public places. If no air conditioning is available, fans are helpful.
• use a buddy system between co-workers in high-heat-stress jobs.