LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Each year heat kills hundreds of people across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control, The National Weather Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
Here in Las Vegas during the summer months, we see temperatures well into triple digits and at least several times a year we reach Excessive Heat Criteria. At this time of the year, that is about 112 degrees.
That type of heat can cause serious health issues.
"These diseases are insidious and very slow in the onset, and if we're not careful, we could succumb to heat related illnesses," said Dr. Ravi Ramanathan from Family Doctors of Green Valley.
The three most common heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, which cause cramping in the legs and abdominal areas.
"This typically can be treated with just increased fluid intake and most the affected person to a cooler area," said Ramanathan.
The more serious heat exhaustion, with symptoms that range from headaches to stomach pains to muscle weakness, can also be treated the same way. The most dangerous heat-related illness is heat stroke. "Typically its a core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. For every one degree increase in body temperature, our body demands 10 percent more oxygen," said Ramanathan.
Those most susceptible to heat-related illness are the very young and the elderly. "Their bodies are not capable of tolerating high heats as someone more in the middle ranges," said the doctor.
His recommendations for the hotter days ahead are to dress lightly, drink more fluids and avoid things such as alcohol and caffeine beverages.
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