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Summer is here and along with the longer days comes the summer heat! While regular exposure to sunshine provides numerous health benefits, extreme heat exposure can be dangerous and even life- threatening. Our ability to tolerate heat depends on several factors, including the temperature and humidity. Extreme heat events can be deadly, and heat-related deaths have been on the increase in the US for the past several years from approximately 1,602 deaths in 2021, to 1,722 deaths in 2022, and 2,302 deaths in 2023. Another factor complicating extreme heat events in our local area are PSPS events (Public Safety Power Shutoffs). When dangerous wildfire conditions occur, it sometimes becomes necessary for Southern California Edison to temporarily shut off power to high-risk areas in order to prevent the electrical system from becoming a source of ignition. Because PSPS events usually correlate with extreme heat events, these power shutoffs further increase the risk of heat-related injuries. To help better prepare for emergencies, you can register with Southern California Edison to receive alerts regarding PSPS events and other types of outages at https://www.sce.com/outage-center/ outage-alerts . The best defense against heat-related injuries is to avoid outdoor exposure during excessive heat warnings. You should plan to stay cool indoors and stay well hydrated. If you are traveling by car, make sure you have an emergency supply of water on hand. In the event of a power outage during an excessive heat warning, you should develop an emergency action plan to stay informed of updates from local authorities and evacuate to an emergency cooling shelter. Heat-related injuries progress through three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are the first stage and occur when the body has lost an excessive amount of water and salt due to heavy sweating. The treatment includes moving to a cool place and consuming ample amounts of water and sports drinks to resolve the cramps. During heat exhaustion, which is more serious, symptoms include heavy sweating with cool and clammy skin, cramps, rapid pulse and tiredness with dizziness and nausea and/or vomiting. In heat exhaustion, you would follow the same treatment as for heat cramps and add cooling measures such as applying cool compresses or using a fan. Additionally, if symptoms progress to include nausea, vomiting or confusion, you should see prompt medical attention. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and occurs when the core body temperature exceeds 104°. Symptoms include hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast bounding pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion with possible loss of consciousness. In the event of heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately and move the victim to a cool place and begin cooling measures with misting, fanning and cool compresses. You should avoid offering fluids to patients experiencing heat stroke due to the risk of aspiration. For more information about how to beat the summer heat, see the link below for a handout published by the American Red Cross which provides additional information regarding how to deal with extreme heat emergencies. https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/ get-help/pdfs/heat/EN_Extreme-Heat-Safety-Checklist.pdf. | THE COLONY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2024 | 19 | THE COLONY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2024 | 19 A Note From The Doctor By Leslee B. Cochrane, MD, Executive Medical Director – Hospice of the Valleys, 951-200-7800 In Memoriam Patt Manley Jerome Tanner