Heat waves increase chronic diseases in Americans. Safety tips to follow (Image credit: iStock)
The United States is on track to break heat records, putting millions of Americans at risk of serious, long-term health problems, particularly in the South and Southeast. States including Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and the Carolinas are under heat warnings, according to the National Weather Service.
Extreme heat poses a danger to people of all ages, but those living in these regions, where temperatures remain persistently high, face especially serious risks. Many southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina, have some of the highest rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease in the U.S., making it difficult for people to regulate their body temperature during heat waves.
“People with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable, especially during prolonged periods of high heat and humidity,” said Dr. John Sherner, chief medical officer at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “Their bodies can’t regulate temperature as well, so they heat up more quickly in hot environments.”
While no region of the U.S. is immune to rising temperatures or underlying health issues, these two factors dangerously converge in the South and Southeast. When temperatures rise, the body dilates blood vessels to release heat, putting additional strain on the heart. In areas with high rates of chronic health problems, this process is even more difficult. For example, heart failure, in which the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, becomes more dangerous in extreme heat.
According to the CDC, older adults on Medicare in southern and eastern states had the highest rates of hospitalizations for heart failure between 2019 and 2021. People with diabetes or other chronic diseases face even greater risks during heat waves, which are becoming longer and more intense each year.
With 2023 set to be the warmest year on record, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 77 percent chance that 2024 will surpass it. “Sadly, it’s a cycle we can’t seem to break,” said Kimberly McMahon, public programs manager for NOAA’s National Weather Service.
Safety tips to follow
Here are some safety tips to follow during extreme heat to protect your health:
– Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as these can cause dehydration.
– Limit outdoor activities: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces.
– Wear light clothing: Opt for loose, light-colored, breathable clothing to help keep your body cool.
– Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
– Stay cool indoors: Stay in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit public places like shopping malls or libraries.
– Take cold showers: Cold showers or baths can help lower body temperature quickly.
– Know the signs of heat stroke: Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse and fainting.
– Never leave children or pets in vehicles: The temperature inside parked vehicles can rise dangerously in a matter of minutes. Always check the back seat before locking the vehicle.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.