As many as 1,177 chicagoans died from heat-related illness during a July 1995 record-breaking heat wave, up more than 85 percent from the prior year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC (www.cdc.gov). While that summer had a number of unusually high maximum daily temperatures, deaths from the heat occur every year.

“Every single summer we lose elderly people to summer heat,” said Gloria Trevino, health product manager for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago (www.redcross.org).

Thankfully, the death toll has come down significantly since the 1995 heat wave. According to Trevino, the American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org) reported only 36 heat-related deaths in 2006 and a total of seven last year. The majority of those deaths were elderly living alone.

“Sometimes, because they have more medical problems, they may be on some kind of medication. That can intensify loss of fluid. They need to stay out of elements which can cause dizziness and fainting,” Trevino said.

It’s important to remember that it is not only the elderly who are in danger of heat-related illness – it can affect any one at any age. To avoid this condition, stay hydrated, listen to your body, and understand what the symptoms mean.

Know the Stages of Heat-Related Illness and How to Treat Them

1st Stage: Heat Cramps

Symptoms: You’ll notice muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Treatment: Stop physical exertion, move to a cooler place, replenish fluids and stay away from alcohol and caffeine (which dehydrate.) Drink a half a cup of water every 15 minutes.

2nd Stage: Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion. Your skin may feel cool, moist, pale, flushed or red.

Treatment: Cool off gradually, remove or lighten tight clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths to the person. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

3rd Stage: Heat Stroke

Symptoms: A lack of sweating or loss of consciousness. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Treatment: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 911 immediately, as help is needed fast. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Know the Terms

Heat Wave: More than 48 hours of high heat (90 degrees or higher) and high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or higher) are expected.

Heat Index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels with the heat and humidity combined. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.

Advice from the American Red Cross

What to Wear:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
• Create shade by wearing hats or using an umbrella.
• If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Be a good neighbor. Check in on elderly friends, family and neighbors on especially hot days. Make sure they are staying cool and hydrated.

What to Eat and Drink:

• Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.
• You need both water and electrolyte-enhanced drinks (like Gatorade) to replenish fluids.
• Eight glasses of water may not be sufficient. Drink as much as possible. Especially if you’re sweating a lot.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
• Eat fresh fruit like watermelon.

Source: American Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org.