Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Being aware of early symptoms could make a difference.
Despite a recent cooldown in temperatures from rain showers across the county, extreme heat will return and with it the dangers of heat exhaustion and stroke according to a local physician.
“High temperatures are going to return, with children and the elderly being the most susceptible to the heat,” said LaDonna Chacon, Certified Nurse Practitioner Presbyterian Medical Services.
According to the extended forecast of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the brief break in high temperatures in Quay County will end on Thursday, with temperatures returning to the mid-90s to 100s over the weekend.
Chacon said children under the age of 4 and senior citizens over the age of 65 are at higher risk when dealing with heat related issues. She said noticing the early symptoms could make all the difference in avoiding a serious medical condition.
Chacon said people need to be aware of the effects medication will have on their body’s ability to regulate temperature. She said medications that could impact a person in the heat are blood pressure pills, beta blockers and even antidepressants.
“A person who is taking prescribed medication may not be aware of the associated risks that come from high heat exposure,” Chacon said.
Chacon said in the Quay County area, there are two lakes that attract people for vacation or weekend camping trips. She said while at the lake many will consume alcohol but the consumption of alcohol is another factor that could put a person at risk.
“It may seem like you are cooling down drinking a cold beer, but in reality you are only adding to the dehydration taking place,” Chacon said.
Chacon said as the body sweats there is a loss of sodium and potassium, and the body needs to replenish the electrolytes in order to dehydrate. She said moderation and the addition of non-alcoholic beverages like sports drinks can help to avoid heat related issues.
“The key to avoiding heat related issues is moderation in both exposure to the heat and substances that impact your bodies ability to regulate temperature,” Chacon said. “You can still have fun out in the heat this summer, just be safe while having your fun.”
There are three steps in heat related conditions according to Chacon.
• Heat cramps: Increased heart rate, sweat, cramping and nausea. This can be fixed by seeking shade and hydrating your body with water or a sport drink that replaces electrolytes.
• Heat exhaustion: Increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, confusion and dizziness. The person will be sweating a lot, but that is the bodies natural way off cooling down. This can be fixed by seeking shade and hydrating your body with water or a sport drink that replaces electrolytes.
• Heat stroke: The body has overheated to more than 104 degrees and you no longer have the ability to sweat. A person will be confused, red, flush and at this point, an ambulance needs to be called or the person needs to be taken to the emergency room. Rapid cooling is required to avoid serious medical complications.