North American Monsoon Heat Stress

"But it's a dry heat..."

Often, at the beginning of the monsoon, deep moisture has not yet arrived, leading to hot temperatures. Sometimes, drier spells during the monsoon can also be accompanied by hot temperatures. Many residents and visitors to the desert Southwest think that relative humidity is low, and that they do not need to worry about heat stress. While high relative humidity can certainly increase the adverse effects of heat on the human body, the hottest of days in New Mexico can still result in numerous health issues.

Sunburn

Sunburn symptoms include redness and pain on the skin. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches.

Sunburn First Aid:

• Apply ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing.
• Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

Other Heat Stress Symptoms

HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms occur, usually in muscles of legs and sometimes the abdomen. Heavy sweating usually accompanies heat cramps.

    First Aid:

• Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm.
• Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, with cold, pale and clammy skin. The pulse becomes thready or scarcely perceptible. Normal temperature readings may be possible. Fainting and vomiting are other common symptoms.

    First Aid:

• Get victim out of sun.
• Lay down and loosen clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths.
• Fan or move victim to air conditioned room.
• Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): Symptoms include a very high body temperature (106° F. or higher), and hot, dry skin. A rapid and strong pulse is usually observed with  possible unconsciousness.

    First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A           HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL.

• Move the victim to a cooler environment
• Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging.
• Use extreme caution.
• Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners.
• If temperature rises again, repeat process.
• Do not give fluids.
• Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

Heat Stress Prevention

When temperatures rise and extreme heat threatens, take action to prevent the effects of heat stress:

• Drink plenty of water. It is very easy to become dehydrated in our desert climate without realizing it.
• Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Both increase stress on the body and actually accelerate dehydration.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Shift strenuous outdoor activities too cooler parts of the day, especially during the early morning.
• Check on elderly friends, neighbors and family often. Elders are generally more susceptible to heat-related illness.
• Take advantage of air conditioning when possible. Many homes in New Mexico still use evaporative cooling (swamp coolers) which are much less effective during the monsoon.
• If you, or someone you're with, begins to feel tired and flushed and begin to sweat excessively, you may be suffering from heat exhaustion. Stop any strenuous activities immediately, drink more water, and find a cool place to rest.
• If someone becomes disoriented, stops sweating, has hot dry skin, or even worse, passes out, that person is probably experiencing heat stroke - a serious medical condition. Call 911 immediately! If possible, move them to a cooler location.
• Provide plenty of water and shade for pets.

Above: Heat Impacts on Vulnerable Populations. Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most: pregnant, newborns, children, elderly, chronic illness. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature. Never leave anyone alone in a closed car. Use air conditioners and stay in the shade. Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.