Rising Global Temperatures Increase Risk of Heat Stroke and Heat-Related Illnesses

The world is experiencing unprecedented heat waves, with June 2024 marking the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures. This alarming trend has led to a significant increase in the number of people exposed to extreme heat, raising concerns about the rising risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

According to the World Health Organization, climate change has caused an exponential growth in the population exposed to extreme heat. In 2023, 32 million people across California, Texas, and Nevada endured the hottest summer ever recorded in the United States. As temperatures continue to climb, understanding and preventing heat-related illnesses has become increasingly crucial.

Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a leading provider of traumatic and acquired brain injury rehabilitation services, has shared essential tips for heat stroke prevention. These guidelines are vital, as taking proactive measures can mean the difference between life and death in extreme heat conditions.

Dr. Gary Seale, Regional Director of Clinical Services at CNS, emphasizes the severity of heat stroke. "Of all the heat-related illnesses, heat stroke is the most serious. Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate temperature and cool down," he explains. Dr. Seale warns that body temperatures can rapidly rise to 104 degrees or higher, potentially causing organ damage, including brain injury, and resulting in permanent disability.

To prevent heat stroke, CNS recommends several key strategies: wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn and help keep the body cool; drinking plenty of water while avoiding sugary or alcoholic drinks; limiting outdoor time to cooler periods; and never leaving children or animals in parked cars, even with windows cracked open.

Certain groups are at higher risk for heat stroke, including children under 4 years old, adults over 65 with illnesses or medications that affect temperature regulation, and individuals classified as clinically obese. Heat exhaustion can result from strenuous activity, overexposure to hot weather and humidity, or wearing excessive clothing that impedes sweat evaporation.

Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke is crucial. These may include high body core temperature, flushed skin, dizziness, loss of consciousness, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, immediate action is necessary. Call 911 or transport the person to a hospital, and while waiting for help, keep them in a cool environment, remove unnecessary clothing, and apply ice packs or cool water to their skin.

As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding and implementing these preventive measures becomes increasingly important for public health. The information provided by Centre for Neuro Skills serves as a critical resource in combating the growing threat of heat-related illnesses in our changing climate.