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<\/a>\u201cHeat-related illness demonstrates a dramatic seasonal spike during the summer months, with 92 percent of the nearly 120,000 heat-related emergency department visits in the United States in 2023 occurring between May and September,\u201d said Dr. Ramon Nunez, Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Orlando VA Medical Center. <\/p>\n\u201cJuly is consistently the peak month, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all annual heat-related emergency department visits.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Nunez and fellow emergency physician Dr. Camilo Mohar, heat-related illnesses range from mild conditions such as heat rash and muscle cramps to life-threatening emergencies like heat stroke. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe see a wide spectrum of heat-related illnesses,\u201d said Nunez. \u201cFortunately, we often see the more benign forms, but during the summer months it\u2019s common for people to experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and other symptoms simply from being exposed to Florida\u2019s heat and humidity.\u201d <\/p>\n
Understanding the warning signs can help Veterans seek help before symptoms worsen. <\/p>\n
Mohar explained that heat cramps typically involve painful muscle cramps caused by heat exposure and dehydration. Heat exhaustion can cause elevated body temperature, fatigue, weakness, and lethargy, while heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe cardinal sign of heat stroke is altered mental status,\u201d said Mohar. \u201cPatients may become confused, disoriented, behave erratically, or even lose consciousness. When that happens, immediate medical attention is needed.\u201d <\/p>\n
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer effectively regulate its temperature. As body temperature rises, the heart works harder and blood vessels widen in an attempt to cool the body. If these cooling mechanisms fail, organs can begin to suffer damage. <\/p>\n
Veterans should watch for early warning signs such as excessive thirst, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, swelling in the hands or legs, unusual fatigue, or dizziness. In some cases, the body\u2019s ability to sweat may decrease as overheating becomes more severe. <\/p>\n
Certain Veterans may face a higher risk than others. Older adults and individuals taking medications for cardiovascular disease, lung conditions, autoimmune disorders, or some mental health conditions may have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. <\/p>\n
\u201cAn ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,\u201d said Mohar. \u201cIf you\u2019re taking medications that increase your risk, it\u2019s especially important to avoid prolonged heat exposure and prepare before going outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both physicians emphasized that hydration is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness. However, they noted that many people wait too long to begin drinking fluids. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to start hydrating before you go out,\u201d said Mohar. \u201cIf you wait until the time you feel thirsty, it\u2019s already too late. You\u2019re beginning to get dehydrated.\u201d <\/p>\n
During periods of heavy activity and sweating, water alone may not always be enough. Electrolytes lost through perspiration may also need to be replenished. Mohar recommends diluting sports drinks with water to reduce excess sugar while still replacing important salts lost through sweating. <\/p>\n
Additional heat safety tips include: <\/p>\n
\u2022 Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing<\/p>\n
\u2022 Carry water and drink fluids regularly<\/p>\n
\u2022 Seek shade whenever possible<\/p>\n
\u2022 Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use portable cooling fans or misting devices<\/p>\n
\u2022 Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between noon and 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and fellow Veterans during extreme heat <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s prevention, really,\u201d said Mohar. \u201cVeterans are trained to prepare for challenges, and heat is no different. If you\u2019re prepared and aware of the risks, you can avoid many of these problems before they start.\u201d<\/p>\n
As summer temperatures continue to rise, Orlando VA providers encourage Veterans to stay alert, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if heat-related symptoms do not improve quickly after moving to a cool environment. By taking simple precautions and planning ahead, Veterans can enjoy everything the summer months have to offer while staying safe, healthy, and ready for the season.<\/p>\n
Pictured in photo: \u00a0Dr. Ramon Nunez (left) and Dr. Camilo Mohar, emergency physicians at the Orlando VA Medical Center, encourage Veterans to stay hydrated, monitor weather conditions, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses during
Central Florida\u2019s summer months.<\/p>\n