EXTREME HEAT HEALTH EMERGENCIES
If a health emergency arises due to extreme heat, identify the symptoms and take the following steps.
Heat Cramps Symptoms: Muscle pains and spasms -- usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs -- usually caused by strenuous activity, which triggers heavy perspiration.
Treatment: Stop all activity and rest in a cool place. Drink cool, clear water, juice or a sports beverage. Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours after cramps to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, a weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting. If untreated, the victim's condition could worsen; the body temperature could keep rising, possibly leading to heat stroke.
Treatment: Rest in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool shower or bath. Drink cool beverages unless nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.
Symptoms: The ability to sweat stops; red, hot, dry skin; extremely high body temperature; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage or death can occur within 10-15 minutes unless medical help is immediate.
Treatment: Call 911 immediately for emergency medical services. Try to cool the victim as rapidly as possible. Remove clothing; use a cool sponge bath or fan; put the person in a cool bath or shower; use a garden hose. Do not give fluids.
Extreme heat can occur in may area of the country. However, people respond differently based on their place of residence, the precautions they take, and their personal susceptibility to heat.
In regions of high humidity, excessive heat can make being outside unbearable. In regions of low humidity, the most common human response to extreme heat is dehydration.
FRANK WATSON TO BE HONORED AT HIGHWAY NAMING
Former State Senator and Senate Republican Leader, Frank Watson, will be honored at a ceremony designating a stretch of Interstate 70 the “Frank Watson Parkway”. A sign that will be installed along the highway will be unveiled and shown to Watson, who will be in attendance.
The ceremony will take place this morning, July 19th, at 10:00 am at the Silver Lake rest area, located on the eastbound lane of I-70, near Highland.
NORTH POKEY ROAD CLOSED TUESDAY
North Pokey Road, between Illinois Rt. 140 and Meffert Road, will be closed Tuesday, July 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., for culvert replacement. A detour route will be available.
