Heat fazes few in the Flathead

By CANDACE CHASE

The Daily Inter Lake

Officials at both North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center report surprisingly few patients showing up at emergency rooms due to the recent heat wave.

"We really haven't seen weather-related problems," said Derek Starker, an RN in the Kalispell Regional Medical Center emergency room. "I think people are staying well-hydrated."

People have called the ER regarding issues such as sun burns and heat cramps, Starker said. Most common during strenuous activity with heavy sweating, heat cramps occur due to salt loss in muscles.

Starker said that people may compensate for extreme fluid loss by drinking a sports drink like Gatorade which provides a balanced blend of electrolites. But he said most people easily replace these through their diet and water.

Starker warns that hot weather patient numbers usually peak in August.

"The fair, from my previous experience, brings us people with heat-related problems," he said.

In general, Starker advises avoiding the heat of the day, staying hydrated, dressing in cool, light-weight clothes and wearing a broad-brimmed hat.

"All those normal things," he said.

Dr. Steve Helgerson, Montana's state medical officer, issued a press release this week advising residents of how to avoid having hospital visits ruin their summer fun. He agrees with Starker that drinking fluids plays a critical role.

If people don't keep their body hydrated, they become more susceptible to heat stroke, which can cause brain damage and even death, Helgerson said in the release.

Heat illness occurs when the body's core temperature exceeds its ability to compensate by sweating. Its cooling mechanism begins to shut down.

Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during very hot weather. For example, high humidity keeps sweat from evaporating quickly, keeping the body from releasing heat quickly.

Anyone can become the victim of overheating, but people 4 and younger and 65 and older face an increased risk, according to Helgerson. He suggests people check on elderly relatives and neighbors in extreme heat conditions.

Others with increased risk include those with medical or other conditions. The physician cautions that obesity, heart disease, sunburn, some prescription drugs, alcohol use and dehydration can speed adverse effects of heat.

Those who work outdoors also need to take special precautions in scorching weather. They should take more breaks, drink more fluids and try to get more work done during early morning hours, Helgerson said.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. Seeking shade in a well-ventilated area and slowly drinking water is recommended to relieve these problems.

Helgerson said victims need medical attention if:

. Body temperature climbs higher than 103 degrees.

. Skin is red and hot, but not sweating.

. Patient exhibits dizziness and confusion.

. A medical emergency exists if a person loses consciousness due to heat exposure.

Helgerson recommends that Montanans fight the heat by finding an air-conditioned area, either in the home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center.

Those without air conditioning should pull the shades and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool off the home. Limit the use of stoves and ovens to avoid raising the temperature any more than necessary.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com