ADHS News Releases: Staying Healthy In Arizona’s Deadly Summer Heat

With daytime temperatures climbing into the triple digits, Arizona’s summers turn dangerous and deadly.

From 1992 to 2002, 570 people died from heat exposure due to excessive temperatures in Arizona, with a majority of the deaths occurring among Arizona residents (55 percent). On average, 29 Arizona residents died every year from heatstroke or sunstroke in the 11-year period, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Health. Forty residents died from heat exposure last year.

In the same period, 214 undocumented immigrants died from exposure to excessive natural heat in Arizona. The number climbed dramatically each year, with 80 deaths in 2002, 13 deaths in 1998 and no fatalities in 1992, according to the report by the Department’s Bureau of Public Health Statistics.

Approximately seven out of every 10 deaths from heat exposure in 1992-2002 were males, the report found.

“Our summer time desert temperatures are not only uncomfortable, they can be lethal,” said Catherine Eden, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

With the hottest summer months still on the horizon, the Arizona Department of Health is urging everyone to take precautions against dehydration and health illness.

Individuals suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded and the body can no longer cool itself. The body normally cools itself through perspiration. As long as blood is flowing properly to the skin, extra heat from the body is pumped to the skin and removed by sweat evaporation.

If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can result, potentially leading to brain damage or death.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to fight heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.

A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower.

ADHS offers the following prevention tips to avoid heat-related illness:

Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
Avoid "heat hangover." Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body. Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak intensity. If active during this time frame, drink a minimum of 16 to 32 ounces of water each hour.
Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions.

Outdoor Protection

When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Apply at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and re-apply as necessary.
Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body’s temperature has a chance to recover.
If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; sunglasses to protect the eyes; and a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool.
Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.