West Bloomfield Doctor, Residents Respond to Heat Wave

West Bloomfield Township is known for several traits that make it a summer destination for many in Metro Detroit — among them, miles of trails that attract thousands of runners every year, even in times of extreme heat.

Dr. Nabil Khoury knows this all too well.

Khoury, medical director of ambulatory services and quality management at , said many people — especially those who play and work outdoors — have suffered from heat exhaustion since the current heat wave began taking shape in the region.

Heat exhaustion, Khoury explained, is a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Khoury said that because it can develop over several days, it is crucial to stay hydrated in the morning, afternoon and evening, regardless of the temperature.

Khoury added that those who spend time outdoors would be well-advised to keep their shirts on — literally. He explained that sweat, which is part of the body's natural cooling system, easily evaporates from exposed skin. That’s why he said he urges athletes and workers to wear shirts, preferably made of breathable fabric that can increase comfort while slowing sweat evaporation.

Florence Wilson of West Bloomfield, who runs or walks daily in the township as a hobby, said Khoury's advice took her by surprise. Wilson, 50, said she’s usually envious of men for having the right to take off their shirts outdoors, but she said she was relieved to hear that she's inadvertently been doing the right thing.

“I don’t really change my behavior much in the hot weather … I usually go out running in a sports bra and a cotton T-shirt, even though the cotton can get heavy,” Wilson said. “I usually do pretty well.”

Khoury advises people to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which include but are not limited to:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Exhaustion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting

It's the humidity as much as the heat

Amanda Thomas is finally comfortable. The mile-long bike ride to the , where she was studying for a science exam at Oakland Community College, is usually pleasant for the 21-year-old West Bloomfield woman. But due to the stifling humidity, she said she couldn’t wait to get inside the library.

“Pure Michigan,” she said through a smirk.

Khoury advised that as Michiganders who typically deal with humidity as much as heat in the summer, we should all be especially careful of overvaluing the temperature as part of the daily forecast when it comes to taking precautions.

“Humidity conducts heat more effectively than in a dry environment," Khoury said. "You may not think it’s so bad outside if it’s 85 (degrees) and sunny, but if it’s 85, sunny and humid, then you’re at an increased risk for illness.

"Look at the heat index instead of the temperature,” he advised. “If you asked a random person if they thought they’d be more uncomfortable in a dry Arizona summer or a humid Michigan summer, they’d probably say Arizona. But we’re at an increased risk.”

Thomas said she frequents the library in the summer if only to stay cool. Wilson said she likes to go to a movie theater or a grocery store. Khoury said these are good choices, pooh-poohing the notion that air conditioning could lead to an upper respiratory infection.

“Stay in an air-conditioned area as long as possible,” Khoury advised. “Upper respiratory conditions are largely communicable and has nothing to do with AC.

"We also advise to drink plenty of cool fluids, such as juice, and to avoid alcohol. Stay away from strenuous activity outside — we see a lot of landscapers who get sick.”

Elderly at special risk

Khoury recommends that people get plenty of rest, wear lightweight clothing at all times and consider a cold shower — but avoid opening windows.

“We have seen those without air conditioning open all of the windows in their home, but that just leads to your home becoming as hot as the outdoors,” Khoury said. “If you don’t have air conditioning, you find someone that does.”

The elderly of West Bloomfield, defined as people 65 and older, are as susceptible to heat-related illness as young children, Khoury said. For that reason, it is crucial to keep in touch with elderly friends, neighbors and relatives periodically every day in order to make sure they're OK.

“Due to some of the medications that elderly people take, they are already relatively dehydrated, so making sure that they stay indoors is crucial,” Khoury said. “A person’s response to heat also can change over time, usually to the negative, so even if they don’t take medication, it’s still important.”

If you think someone's in danger, call 911 immediately, Khoury said.

The following are some heat-related conditions and what you can do about them:

Sunburn

• Skin redness and pain
• Possible swelling, blisters, fever and headaches.

• Take a shower using soap to remove oils that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally.
• Apply dry, sterile dressings to any blisters and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps

• Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles.
• Heavy sweating.

• Get the victim to a cooler location.
• Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms.
• Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
• Discontinue liquids if victim is nauseated.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale or flushed.
• Weak pulse.
• Normal body temperature possible, but will likely rise.
• Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches are possible.

• Get victim to lie down in a cool place.
• Loosen or remove clothing.
• Apply cool, wet clothes.
• Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place.
• Give sips of water if victim is conscious.
• Be sure water is consumed slowly.
• Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
• Discontinue water if victim is nauseated.
• Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.

Heat Stroke
(a severe medical emergency)

• High body temperatures (105 degrees or higher)
• Hot, red, dry skin.
• Rapid, weak pulse.
• Rapid shallow breathing.
• Victim will probably not sweat unless he/she was sweating from recent strenuous activity.
• Possible unconsciousness.

• Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
• Move victim to a cooler environment.
• Remove clothing.
• Try a cool bath, sponging or wet sheet to reduce body temperature.
• Watch for breathing problems.
• Use fans and air conditioners.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency