SHAWANO/MENOMINEE COUNTIES, WI – With temperatures expected to climb over the next several days, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Director Nick Mau is encouraging residents to take precautions and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
Mau said there are three primary heat illnesses people should be aware of: heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.
“Heat-related illness, there’s a couple different things. You can have a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, you can have heat cramps,” Mau said.
According to Mau, heat stroke is the most serious condition and can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot red skin, a rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and even loss of consciousness.
“Heat stroke is something that you don’t want to mess with and call 911,” Mau said. “Better safe than sorry.”
Mau explained that heat exhaustion is often marked by heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, dizziness and muscle cramps. Heat cramps are typically caused by intense exercise or physical labor in hot conditions and can lead to painful muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
For anyone experiencing heat-related symptoms, Mau recommends immediately stopping activity, moving to a cooler location and rehydrating. Those suffering from heat exhaustion or heat cramps should sip water or sports drinks containing electrolytes and use cool washcloths to lower body temperature. In cases of suspected heat stroke, he advises calling 911, moving the person into shade or air conditioning, applying cold compresses and avoiding giving the person anything to drink while waiting for emergency responders.
With youth sports camps, recreation programs and outdoor activities filling summer schedules, Mau is also reminding coaches and parents to be proactive.
“Make rest and those short breaks intentional,” Mau said. “Make sure that all families are told to have plenty of water or sports drinks brought with their kiddos.”
He added that athletes and children should drink more fluids than they think they need because heat-related illnesses can develop quickly.
“You can’t overdo the amount of water that you have on supply,” Mau said. “Drink more than you would even think you would need because those heat illnesses can really creep up on you quickly.”
Health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and pay close attention to early signs of heat stress as the summer heat settles into the region.
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