TRAVERSE CITY — With the dog days of summer in full swing, many people are at risk now from heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two major signs of the impact of high temperatures, according to Emily Mueller of Munson Healthcare. Mueller works as a physician’s assistant at the Cadillac urgent care facility.
“Heavy sweating or muscle cramps, weakness or fatigue, any dizziness, confusion, disorientation, fainting, or high body temperature should definitely be evaluated by a medical provider,” Mueller said.
This heat is high for the region and time of year, according to Faith Fredrickson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
Northern Michigan is fast approaching record temperatures, Fredrickson said.
“On Tuesday (the 14th), we’re expecting a high of 96, which should be within 2 degrees of the record high temperature of 98 set back in 1995,” she said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a statement, is already calling it a “heat wave.”
But, it’s not just the heat that presents the stressful conditions. Precipitation and humidity also should be monitored.
Northern Michigan is “well above normal rainfall,” according to Fredrickson. For example, Gaylord had nearly double the average rainfall, rising from 3 inches to 6 inches.
“It compounds the impacts of the heat, and that can make it more difficult for the sweat to evaporate and cool (people) off,” she said.
Fredrickson said that people can also look at the “heat version of wind chill,” which is the heat index, a combination of humidity and temperature.
According to Mueller, people with lung conditions, including asthma, are affected by the climate and moisture more than the average person.
Melisa Ardis, who is also a physician’s assistant at the Cadillac facility, said that extremes of age, such as children and the elderly, are at higher risk in this summer weather.
To protect against both heat and mugginess, Munson Healthcare and Consumers Energy offered some tips for keeping cool.
Mueller said people should stay indoors during peak temperatures, noting that many gadgets can cool people, including misters and portable fans.
If costs are a concern, Consumers Energy said in a press release, make sure not to run the air conditioner in the house while you are away. Running the air conditioning during the early morning or at night is the least costly.
Another cost-effective way to cool down, according to Consumers Energy, is to find a place away from home, such as a senior center or public library.
Whitmer said in a statement that residents can call 211 or their local health department to locate a cooling center in the area.
“Lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing” are recommended in these high-heat conditions, she advised in that statement.
Munson Healthcare also has “a free 24-hour Ask a Nurse hotline”, where people can make sure they are not at risk of heat stroke and exhaustion.
