Hot ... and getting hotter
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on July 8, 2016 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Adriana Rose Myers, 5, splashes in a puddle created by a huge sprinkler at Cornerstone Commons Thursday during the weekly Sprinkler Days event. Families gathered to cool off from the heat, which has neared 100 degrees this week.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Front to back, Emma Kimmel, 8, Harmony Sewell, 8, and Lelah Cherry, 8, try to balance on the fire hose hooked up to the sprinkler.
A week-long stretch of high temperatures is expected to continue today and Saturday in Wayne County during what has become the hottest week of the year.
Temperatures, which have remained at or above 94 degrees most of the week, are expected to reach to 97 degrees today and 96 degrees Saturday, said Brandon Locklear, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Raleigh.
The heat index, a combination of heat and humidity, is also expected to reach anywhere from 103 to 105 degrees today and Saturday.
"This week is going to be one of the hottest weeks we've had in the state," Locklear said. "It's going to take its toll on anyone working outdoors, the elderly and the young. People need to plan accordingly."
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
As of July 2, more than 1,000 people across the state have been treated for heat illness in hospital emergency rooms, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. Of the 1,076 people treated, the majority, 76 percent, were men between the ages of 25 and 64.
Twenty-three people have sought emergency room treatment in Wayne County since May, said Kate Murphy, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services senior manager of media relations.
This week, three people sought emergency medical treatment at Wayne Memorial Hospital, said Georgia Dees, Wayne Memorial Hospital director of public relations.
"It is important to remember that these visits represent only the most severe cases, and most people with heat-related illness go home and rest or, perhaps, visit a family physician," Murphy said. "Therefore, these visits are a considerable underestimate of the true heat illness burden in Wayne County."
Heat exhaustion can develop after being exposed to high temperatures and is often accompanied by dehydration. Symptoms include muscle cramps, excessive sweating, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and nausea or vomiting.
Ways to combat heat exhaustion include moving to a cool location, drinking water, removing unnecessary clothing and cooling down with wet cloths or a cold shower.
Heat stroke, the most severe heat injury, requires immediate medical attention after the body's core temperature reaches above 103 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heat stroke symptoms include red, hot and dry skin, confusion, dizziness, fainting and seizures.
"If anybody finds themselves getting any of the symptoms, they need to call 911 and seek medical attention," said Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, with the Wayne Health Medical Clinic.
Preventive steps should be taken while waiting for medical help, including seeking shade, a fan or a cool environment, removing extra clothing, placing ice packs on the back, neck and under the arm and even spraying water on the body and face, Roundtree said.
Being exposed to high temperatures several days in a row increases the chance of heat-related illness, which can affect the elderly and young children the most. Healthy adults, anyone working outdoors and athletes can also be affected.
"It's common in different types of people," Roundtree said.
The body's ability to naturally cool itself isn't as effective in people age 65 and older and children age 4 and younger, Roundtree said.
"We will see the very young, as well as the elderly and people with chronic illnesses," Roundtree said. "I do see all age ranges. Healthy people can be affected as well, if they don't properly hydrate."
The best way to prevent heat illness is to remain hydrated by drinking water, juice or sport drinks, Roundtree said.
Other prevention efforts include avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol, wearing loose and light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity, including exercise, except during the early morning hours, Roundtree said.
Sunscreen, with a sun protection factor of 30 or more, and wearing wide-brimmed hats can also help.
The Wayne Action Group for Economic Solvency, WAGES, and the Wayne County Services on Aging, have already provided more than 100 fans and several small air conditioners to the elderly in Wayne County this year.
Duke Energy Progress provided funding to each agency, and local donations have also increased the number of fans available.
The Services on Aging continues to accept donations for its program, and will provide fans as they are available. The Services on Aging can be reached at 731-1608.