SALT LAKE CITY — Most of the country has experienced record-high temperatures recently. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a heat advisory for the Wasatch Front beginning Monday and extending through Tuesday.

While those living in Western states don’t have to muddle through the added humidity, everyone is at risk for heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

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Heat advisory issued for Wasatch Front

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a heat advisory for the Wasatch Front Monday into Tuesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "heat-related deaths are one of the deadliest weather-related health outcomes in the United States.” Every year, more than 600 people on average die from extreme heat.

Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, along with who is at a higher risk to these illnesses is key to prevention and saving lives, the CDC says.

Heat exhaustion

According to WebMD, heat exhaustion could begin with heat cramps, which typically occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat exhaustion can also provoke preexisting conditions, like heart and respiratory disease.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Excessive sweating
• Cool moist skin with goose bumps even in heat

If these symptoms continue or worsen, the condition could develop into heat stroke.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke happens when the body temperature climbs over 103 degrees, and can become deadly if left untreated, according to the CDC. It can occur suddenly, without any prior symptoms of heat exhaustion. The CDC says, “Very high body temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs. In severe cases, the problem can progress to multiple organ system failure and death.”

The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Red, hot and dry skin without sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

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Avid Utah hiker shares precautions to protect against heat exhaustion, heat stroke

It’s easy to get outside on a long summer day, but if you’re not prepared, spending too much time outside could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Those at most risk

While anyone who is exposed to extremely high temperatures and prolonged time in direct sunlight could develop heat-related illnesses, some are at a higher risk. Those groups most susceptible to the illnesses are as follows:

Senior citizens

The CDC says, “Hospitalizations for heat-related illness increase with age, especially for those 85 years of age and older. In a study conducted in California, researchers found that heat-related illness was more likely to result in emergency department … visits than hospitalizations.”

As we age, our bodies struggle to regulate a healthy temperature. Seniors over 65 don’t sweat as much as younger adults, thus lacking in one of the body’s main defenses to overheating. Because heat-related illnesses can provoke preexisting conditions, older adults are at a higher risk. They are more likely to have chronic illnesses that affect the body’s reaction to heat, according to the CDC. Also, certain medications can affect how the body controls temperature and sweat.

The CDC suggests older adults stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during heat advisories and don’t rely on a fan as a main source of cooling. Also, using the stove or oven could make your house warmer and should be avoided. The agency also recommends avoiding strenuous activities and to rest during high temperatures.

Children

Kids love spending long summer days outside playing sports and staying active. Both children and adults experience the same risk of dehydration. Albert C. Hergenroeder, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the sports medicine clinic at Texas Children's Hospital says, “Early signs of dehydration include fatigue, thirst, dry lips and tongue, lack of energy, and feeling overheated. But if kids wait to drink until they feel thirsty, they're already dehydrated. Thirst doesn't really kick in until a child has lost 2% of his or her body weight as sweat.”

The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses and dehydration in children is to make sure they are hydrated when they spend time in the heat, and especially when they are active, WebMD says. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should regularly drink 5 ounces of water for a child weighing 88 pounds, and 9 ounces for a teen weighing 132 pounds.

Athletes

Football season is right around the corner, and while your teen could be counting down the days until those Friday night lights, it’s important that they stay safe during summer and early fall practices. Studies have shown that the risk of developing a heat-related illness is more than 11 times higher in football than all other sports combined, due to the heavy equipment.

The best prevention to overheating during practice is to allow athletes to slowly acclimate to the temperature by starting practice off with low-intensity workouts and build their tolerance to the heat. Primary care sports medicine expert Dr. Rajwinder Deu says, “During the first 10 to 14 days of heat exposure, athletes should gradually increase the duration and intensity of their exercise or activity.”

Pets

We love spending time with our furry friends outdoors, and they love it too. However, heat-related illnesses can also be fatal for animals. One of the most important ways to protect your pets from heat is to never leave them in the car. When it is 90 degrees outside, PETA says the interior of a car can top 100 degrees within minutes.

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Heat Advisory: Keeping Dogs Cool During Summer

A heat advisory is in effect across the Wasatch Front until Tuesday night, and staying cool can prove challenging — especially when it comes to caring for our four-legged family members.

According to PETA, “Hot sidewalks, pavement and parking lots can not only burn paws, they also reflect heat onto dogs’ bodies, increasing their risk of deadly heat stroke.”

One way to test the pavement to see if it’s safe for your pup’s paws is to place your hand on the ground — if it’s too hot on your skin, then it’s too hot for Spot. If your dog is uncomfortable wearing paw protection, then walk them during cooler times of the day: in the morning and at night.

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