August 3, 2000

The string of blisteringly hot days that the valley has seen could cause more than just simple irritation. The heat can cause several debilitating diseases that are potentially fatal.

According to Dr. Gene La Monica, the Urgent Care director at the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, temperatures such as the ones that the Valley has seen over the past week can cause serious harm to the body.

"The heat can lead to several different conditions that can damage the body," said La Monica, dehydration and overheating usually occur together. Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluids and is essentially dried out. Symptoms for dehydration and overheating include dizziness, lightheadedness, feelings of weakness and fatigue, dry mouth, increased heart rate and headache. In severe cases, there can even be organ damage and death.

Another duo of dangerous heat conditions are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if it goes untreated.

Symptoms for heat exhaustion include dehydration and overheating along with hyperpyrexia. The symptoms for heat stroke include those of heat exhaustion along with mental status changes.

Mental status changes can include increased irritability, bizarre behavior and loss of consciousness or an altered consciousness.

Children and older people are the most susceptible to heat conditions, according to La Monica.

"Little kids and older people are the most susceptible to heat conditions, according to La Monica.

Little kids and older adults can't regulate their bodies as well, so they are more likely to be affected by the heat," said La Monica. "In addition, younger children can't communicate their condition as well as adults can. Some older people develop illnesses that leave them unable to balance their fluids, leaving them at risk for heat conditions."

When it comes to prevention, La Monica stresses that a person must keep hydrated. For a hot day, he believes a person should double their normal fluid intake.

"Drinking lots of fluids is the most important thing to do in the heat," said La Monica. "Any hydrating fluids are good, as long as they are taken a lot in the heat."

La Monica said that while most fluids are good for staying hydrated, there are some to avoid. Both caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks dehydrate the body and can cause additional harm in the heat. Drinks high in sugar can also be bad for small children because it can lead to diarrhea, which dehydrates the body more.

In addition to drinking fluids, La Monica recommends staying out of the sun during the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If one has to be out during this time, he recommends staying covered from the sun and staying in the shade.

"If you have to be out on a hot day, the morning is the best time to do it," said La Monica. "Throughout the day, it is important to stay in the shade and to keep hydrated. Minimizing sun exposure is also very important."

Reprinted by permission of The Turlock Journal.