Beware exposure to high temperatures

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related medical issues.

So those that spend time outside, whether for recreation or work, need to take extra precautions to ensure they stay hydrated and shielded from the sun as much as possible.

Gary Tharalson of Sun City West was on the putting range at Grandview golf course in Sun City West Saturday morning with his great-grandson, well before the hottest part of the day.

He said he uses common sense and his adaptation to the desert as ways to keep safe.

"After living here in Arizona for 40 years, you learn to deal with it," Tharalson said. "I also wear a wide-brimmed hat and get out of the sun, and park the golf car in the shade when I play."

Jim Heller, a golfer also from from Sun City West, said also thinks living in Arizona for the past 29 years has acclimated him to the heat. But he still tries to get into the shade as much as possible when he's out on the course.

"We did have one close call on the longest day of the year a few years ago, where there was no water on (a local course) and we were drinking light beer," Heller said. "After one or two beers, we decided we needed to get back to the clubhouse to get water after the first nine holes, and when we went back out there was water for the back nine."

William Mostow, medical director of the emergency department of Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, said he sees fewer cases of heat stroke than he does heat exhaustion.

"We see heat stroke a few times a month, which is interesting because it is not as often as I thought I would see it," Mostow said. "I was working in Chicago during the terrible heat wave in the mid-90s, where there were several fatalities when the temperature is what it is here now. But people here seem acclimated, it's a dry heat, people are prepared and well-informed about staying out of the heat."

Those susceptible to heat illnesses are those whose resistances are down, Mostow said.

"More often it is seen in people who don't have resistances, such as chronic illnesses," Mostow said. "The elderly are also more susceptible."

Mostow saw a case recently where a man who was visiting from out of town suffered from heat exhaustion after going on a bicycle ride.

"He had no idea how different the environment was," Mostow said. "It happens pretty quickly. You can feel OK out in the heat and then be overcome without lots of warning."

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, excessive sweating, a general feeling of illness, feeling faint and muscle cramps, Mostow said.

"Sometimes a headache is the first sign," Mostow said.

Treatment of heat exhaustion includes receiving IV fluids, electrolytes, loosening clothing and supportive care.

Heat exhaustion is easier to reverse than heat stroke, he said.

"When it becomes heat stroke, you have hot and dry skin and you lose the ability to sweat," Mostow said.

Heat stroke is much more complicated in its treatment. It includes cooling the skin with cold packs, cool mist and using fans to cool the arm pit and groin area.

"We monitor urine output and intensive care is required for mental status changes," Mostow said. "It can take days sometime for it to turn around."

Mostow said residents should take note of how the original desert dwellers keep themselves cool during the hot summer.

"They come out early in the morning and in the evening, and stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day," Mostow said. "We can learn from our neighbors in the desert."

Joy Slagowski may be reached at 623-876-2514 or jslagowski@yourwestvalley.com