According to a June 2013 statement issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 658 deaths occur in the U.S. each year from extreme heat. These deaths can be avoided. That's why it's important to know what underlying causes may contribute to heat-related illness.  

Heat-Related Illness Factors
 

Personal Factors
There are numerous factors that make people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Some of these factors include: age (older adults and young children), weight (obesity), heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, regular use of prescription drugs, alcohol or caffeine, and sunburn.  

The elderly and young children are highly vulnerable to heat-related illness. The same holds true for pets. They are all less likely to sense and respond to temperature changes. So, be sure they have a cool place to rest and keep them hydrated. Also, never leave any of them in a parked car. In just two minutes, the temperature can soar to about 100 degrees.

Medications, like high blood pressure meds and antihistamines can make you more prone to heat-related illness. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol, caffeinated or sugary drinks can dehydrate your body faster, especially in hot weather. It's best to stay away from them and drink plenty of water. Try to avoid very cold water as it can cause stomach cramps during high temps.

If you are sunburned, avoid the heat and the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to lose heat causing you and your skin to become dehydrated faster.

Environmental Factors 

Environmental factors that contribute to heat-related illness include: heat index levels, UV radiation and air quality.

Heat index is a combined measure of high temperature and high humidity. Also referred to as the "feels like" temperature by weather forecasters, the heat index gives us a good indicator of when to stay indoors.

Know the Heat Index ranges before heading outdoors:

The sun's ultra-violet (UV) radiation is measured by the amount of sunrays that are not filtered by the earth's thin atmosphere. During the summer months, the sun's UV rays are most intense due to the sun's position directly above the earth. UV radiation can be a very dangerous factor for several reasons: it causes sunburn and may lead to premature skin wrinkling, skin cancer and cataracts.

**The most intense UV radiation is usually between 10am and 3pm.

**UV radiation penetrates clouds and water, so take precautions on overcast days and while swimming.

**Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to cover your skin.

**Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to cover your scalp and shade your face.
**When the UV Index goes up, increase your sunscreen SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and spend less time in the sun. Make sure the elderly and children are covered.

Check the UV Index Exposure Level before planning outdoor activities:  

Air-quality is measured by ground-level ozone or pollution. It can cause serious breathing problems for those with asthma or lung conditions. Watch for ozone alerts, especially during summer months, to stay safe and healthy.

Always be aware of the Air Quality Index before planning on staying outside for any length of time: 

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but excessive heat and humidity can make it dangerous and even deadly. Become familiar with personal and environmental factors that can cause heat-related illness. Check local weather and newscasts for alerts and updates and use common sense. It could save your life.