{"id":64902,"date":"2025-06-20T08:21:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T14:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=64902"},"modified":"2025-06-20T18:42:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T00:42:11","slug":"how-to-stay-cool-and-safe-during-dangerous-heat-waves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/how-to-stay-cool-and-safe-during-dangerous-heat-waves\/","title":{"rendered":"How to stay cool and safe when summer temperatures get extreme"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Staying cool during heat waves is most challenging for older adults and babies who can’t regulate their body temperatures as well as others. As dangerous heat waves expand, learn how to stay cool and safe. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heat is the No. 1 cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When temperatures soar, older people and babies who can\u2019t easily regulate their body temperatures are most vulnerable to the dangers of extreme heat.<\/p>\n

How can you stay cool during a heat wave and fight heat exhaustion and heat stroke?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To answer your questions about why heat can be so dangerous and how you can stay cool and healthy, we consulted with Dr. Mike Mitchell<\/a>, an emergency medicine specialist and medical director of the Emergency Department at UCHealth Broomfield Hospital<\/a>. Mitchell is also the medical director of UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care<\/a> center.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeat is the No. 1 killer, and we often don’t think about how dangerous it can be,” Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

Along with younger and older people, heat waves can be extremely dangerous for people who must work outdoors when the mercury soars. Think of roofers, construction workers or people who work in the military, for example.<\/p>\n

Doctors who treat patients who have suffered from extreme heat sometimes see core body temperatures rising as high as 106 degrees.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s really serious. Folks will get seizures, and some can suffer permanent brain injuries if their core temperatures get high enough,” Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

Why are heat waves and heat stroke so dangerous?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Heat can be especially dangerous because it can sneak up on people.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnlike cold, which hurts us pretty quickly, heat stroke can come on more gradually and folks don\u2019t notice it,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cIf you\u2019re out in the cold, your fingers and toes will hurt long before you get frostbite.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith heat, we gradually get sweaty. But then, as people don\u2019t feel good, they may not feel as thirsty,\u201d he said. \u201cAs the world gets hotter, this is likely to be an increasing problem<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why is heat especially dangerous for older people?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In older adults, confusion can set in quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir bodies don\u2019t handle heat well. If you go see your mom or grandma and they\u2019re not making a lot of sense or they\u2019re asking the same question, and that\u2019s not typical, make sure they\u2019re drinking enough. They probably need to stay cool,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

Mobility also can be a problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome older people are not physically able to move. Maybe they can\u2019t walk, or they use a wheelchair or a walker. They may not be able to drive. There are physical limitations to getting out of the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Older adults also are at risk of falls, especially if they are confused or are not feeling well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s another reason why heat is so dangerous. If you\u2019re 85 and you don\u2019t move around well, you can get hot and dehydrated, and you can fall and break a hip,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

Why is heat so dangerous for babies and younger kids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Babies can\u2019t cool themselves easily, and many parents make the mistake of wrapping their infants in too many blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re hot and you\u2019re wearing a tank top and shorts, then your baby is probably hot too,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

The physiology of babies\u2019 bodies makes them more susceptible to heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re more sensitive. Their bodies are little, but they have more surface area relative to their blood flow,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cNormally, when we get hot, we sweat and breathe more. Babies and little kids don\u2019t do that as well and can get dehydrated really easily.”<\/p>\n

Younger kids also can get sick from the heat. Toddlers and young kids might keep running around even if they\u2019re hot.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might not be able to say, \u2018I\u2019m tired. I\u2019m overheated,\u2019\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cThey sometimes get sweaty and really red and flushed and keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are heat cramps?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Children and adults can get heat cramps when they exert themselves and sweat excessively in hot temperatures. Heat cramps mark the least serious level of heat-related illnesses. Sometimes people who get overheated will experience cramps. Heat cramps are usually related to dehydration and lack of salt in the body. They can happen, for instance, when kids spend multiple hours running around in hot temperatures, like playing in an all-day soccer or lacrosse tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlong with cramps, they might also get headaches. They need to drink more water and get out of the heat,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

A person dealing with heat cramps typically doesn\u2019t need to see a doctor or go to an ER.<\/p>\n

Prevention of heat illnesses and dehydration is key, Mitchell said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re out at a soccer tournament all weekend, bring the kids over to the shade. Make sure they\u2019re drinking plenty of water between games,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

What is heat exhaustion?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Heat exhaustion is the next most severe form of heat illness.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:<\/strong><\/p>\n