Southern California has experienced its most intense heatwave of the year over the past week, with scorching temperatures expected to persist in the coming week. In Los Angeles, the emergency rooms of hospitals are especially crowded during hot weather. Currently, dozens of cooling centers have been opened in Southern California, and healthcare experts are providing advice on protecting physical and mental health.
Professor David Eisenman of the Fielding School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) noted that on any extremely hot day, Los Angeles emergency rooms see an additional 1,500 patients. It is estimated that high temperatures in Los Angeles County lead to an extra 16 deaths on a single day.
The most dangerous condition under the scorching heat is heatstroke. Dr. Mark Morocco, an attending physician in the emergency department at UCLA Medical Center, emphasized that heatstroke is a serious emergency similar to a stroke. He advised immediate action to transport patients to a medical facility.
Symptoms of heatstroke can include confusion, agitation, difficulty walking or speaking, nausea, dizziness, and more. Public health officials in Los Angeles County remind the public to be aware of health risks and take precautions, especially for the elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.
In addition to heatstroke, high temperatures can trigger mental health disorders. An international study published in the journal Nature Health on the10th of this month tracked 2.6 million hospital admissions for anxiety disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse in Brazil, Canada, Chile, and New Zealand during warm seasons between 2000 and 2019. The results showed that hospitalization rates for these conditions increased by 22.9%, 21.7%, 8.2%, and 7.2% respectively during hot weather periods, with young people under 20 and the elderly being vulnerable groups.
The American Brain Foundation recently stated that high temperatures not only affect physical and mental health but also have physiological effects on the brain, potentially exacerbating brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, encephalitis, migraines, strokes, particularly harming epilepsy patients.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), signs that hot weather affects mental health include changes in behavior, impulsivity, lack of concentration, memory loss, difficulty sleeping, feelings of overwhelming stress, depression, irritability, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms.
Early detection of warning signs by family members can provide better assistance to patients.
How to safely navigate the peak of summer? Professor Eisenman and the American Brain Foundation offer the following tips for preventing heatstroke:
1. Stay hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and irritability, affecting the effectiveness of certain medications. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. It is best to drink water before feeling thirsty and avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages for hydration. Electrolyte-enhanced water helps regulate acidity and fluid balance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises not to exceed 48 ounces (approximately 1.4 liters) of water per hour to prevent diluting salt levels in the blood and triggering medical emergencies.
2. Keep your body cool. Wear loose, cool clothing, use fans or air conditioning, take a cold shower before bed, and stay indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest times. Residents of Los Angeles County without air conditioning can consider visiting shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries, or nearby cooling centers (information: ready.lacounty.gov/heat/).
3. If a family member experiences heatstroke, before calling 911, try to help lower their body temperature by covering them with a cool damp cloth, spraying them with cold water, or using a fan to create evaporative cooling.
4. Pay attention to mental health. In hot weather, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet, exercise appropriately, and ensure sufficient sleep. Choose cooler times of the day for outdoor activities, connect with nature, and try stress-relief methods like meditation and social interaction.
Stay safe and stay cool during the summer heatwave!