How to Beat the Heat

ZANESVILLE, OH – The first major heat wave of the summer is here and doctors want to make sure you stay safe.

Some of the common and mild heat related illnesses we see when the temperatures rise are sunburn, heat rash, and heat cramps.

The more severe heat related illnesses are heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which in extreme cases, can require medical attention.

Dr. Jack Butterfield, the Medical Director for the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, says it’s important to stay hydrated and cool, especially after being outside.

“Relief comes in the form of cooling and hydration and rest but if you are exposed to high humidity, high heat, your body loses fluid, loses electrolytes and your body’s system starts to malfunction.” Dr. Butterfield said. “For instance, with heat exhaustion you have sweating, you have lightheadedness, you could have confusion, muscle weakness, muscle cramps.”

Dr. Butterfield recommends staying out of the heat and indoors if you can.

He says that if you have to be outside to seek shade and cooler areas frequently, stay hydrated, and wear lightweight, light colored clothes to absorb less of the heat.

“If you do get overheated, cool as quickly as possible, cool showers, that sort of thing.” Dr. Butterfield said. “If you come upon someone who is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, try to cool them immediately, with cool, not cold, but cool towels or cool water from a hose. Drinking cool liquids and getting them to a cool place. If you come upon someone who is having severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke, it’s imperative to call 911.”

To help residents beat the heat, cooling stations have been set up around the county for those who need them.

That list can be found by heading to the Health Department’s Facebook Page.