Here's how to keep people, pets cool and healthy in summer's heat

As prolonged heat sends more people to Triangle emergency rooms, local doctors and the National Weather Service share ways to stay safe and avoid heat-related illness.

Doctors across the Triangle say they're already seeing the effects of this summer's prolonged heat in emergency departments.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, WakeMed treated 30 people for heat-related illnesses — a 328% increase compared to the same holiday weekend last year. UNC Health treated another 50 patients during the same period. Duke Health has also reported a significant rise in heat-related illnesses.

Experts say one reason is the lack of relief overnight.

"People might think, 'Oh, 75 degrees or 80 degrees at night, that's not too bad. It was over 100 today,'" said Ashley Ward, director of Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub. "It's actually a very dangerous time. Our research shows that overnight temperatures over 75 can really drive patients or those at risk into a crisis."

Doctors also caution that heat illness isn't limited to athletes or people who work outdoors.

"We think of outdoor workers, athletes as being the folks that are most typical coming to emergency departments with heat illness, but there are people that aren't in those high-risk groups that we see as well," said Dr. Lauren Siewny, medical director of Duke University Hospital's Emergency Department.

Siewny added, "Sometimes just otherwise healthy adults who become dehydrated, working in the yard. I think it's important that even people who aren't considered high risk know that everyone has a limit."

The National Weather Service recommends taking extra precautions during periods of extreme heat, especially when heat indices climb into the dangerous range.

Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities for the coolest time of day. At-risk individuals should stay in the coolest available place.

Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, including proteins, that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning markedly reduces the danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day, particularly during the hottest weather, in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.

Officials also want people to be aware of the low lake levels.

Aerial views of Jordan Lake show how low the water is at some boat ramps and swimming access points. Park officials say boat ramps at Poplar Point Campground are closed, and although swimming areas are open, the depth of the lake could be deceiving.

"Even though the lake is low, that doesn't mean that you know it's still not dangerous to be out there," said Stikeleather. "Because the lake is low and peop

People should wear life jackets while swimming or on a boat. 

When temperatures reach the triple digits, Cumberland, Durham, Johnston and Wake counties open cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat.

Most county buildings and libraries serve as a sanctuary for those without access to air conditioning.

As the heat index rises, watch out for these health problems.

130 degrees or higher: Heatstroke and/or sunstroke are highly likely with continued exposure.

105-130 degrees: Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely, and heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.

90-105 degrees: Sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.

80-90 degrees: Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.

Sunburn

SYMPTOMS:

• Redness and pain
• In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches

FIRST AID: Apply ointments for mild cases when blisters appear but do not break. If blisters break, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive should be seen by a physician.

Heat cramps

SYMPTOMS:

• Painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible
• Heavy sweating

FIRST AID: Place firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage them to relieve spasms. Give the victim sips of water, but stop if the victim feels nauseous.

Heat exhaustion

SYMPTOMS

• Heavy sweating
• Wakness
• Skin cold, pale and clammy
• Pulse thready
• Normal temperature possible
• Fainting and vomiting

FIRST AID: Get the victim out of the sun. Lay them down and loosen their clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move the victim to air conditioning. Give the victim sips of water but stop if the victim feels nauseous. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat stroke or sun stroke

SYMPTOMS

• High body temperature (106 degrees or higher)
• Hot, dry skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• 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. People on salt-restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at North Carolina State University offers these tips to help keep your pets healthy in the hot summertime.

• Limit your pet's exercise on hot and humid days to early morning and evening.
• When exercising your pet, remember that asphalt becomes very hot, which can burn tender foot pads. Keep fresh water handy, and ensure that cooling shade is always nearby.
• Never leave a pet in a parked car. Even with the windows rolled down, it only takes a few minutes for a dangerous level of heat to build within the interior of a car. Dehydration, heat stroke and even brain damage to the dog or cat can occur.
• While all dogs and cats are at risk, older or very young pets, overweight pets, pets with heavy coats, and short-nosed dogs might need extra care.

• excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• increased heart and respiratory rate
• drooling
• difficulty walking
• appears weak or in a stupor

FIRST AID: Place the pet in the shade or air conditioning immediately, and apply cool – not cold – water to reduce the animal’s core body temperature. Get help from your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Keep your pet up-to-date on heartworm medication, as well as flea and tick prevention. This summer in particular, cat owners are advised to protect their feline companions from tick-transmitted cytauxzoonosis, a malaria-like infectious disease that when left untreated has a mortality rate close to 100 percent.
• Beware of toxic agents such as plant food, insecticides, fertilizer, coolants, citronella candles, oil products and insect coils that may be around the home and yard.
• Prevent access to compost bins or garbage cans. Ingesting the fungus on decomposing objects can cause a potentially lethal condition known as tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication. Symptoms of this condition are uncontrolled and non-stop shaking.
• The heat, loud noise and confusion of crowded summer events can be stressful for pets. Unlit fireworks might contain heavy metals such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates and arsenic, which are toxic if ingested.
• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar or identification, such as a microchip.