MESA, Ariz. (June 16, 2008) – With excessive heat warnings and temperatures nearing 110 degrees, Banner Baywood Medical Center has issued suggestions for safely beating the heat.

Ashley Bergeron, a registered nurse with the Emergency department, said Banner Baywood Medical Center sees heat illness patients every summer, and that the people most affected are middle-aged and elderly.

“Middle-age people come in because they have been working outside in the yard,” Bergeron said. “With the elderly, nine times out of 10 it is because they do not want to turn their air conditioning on.”

Bergeron also warned those who head to the lake and recreation areas just east of Mesa.

“All these people go to the lake and drink alcohol and end up losing fluid faster than they can replace it,” she said.

The best way to avoid any heat illness is to wear light clothing, stay in the shade, cover your head and drink water, which is better than any sugary sports drink, Bergeron said.

“And do not go outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. if you can avoid it,” Bergeron said.

NOTE: Bergeron is available for press interviews. Contact Lindsay M. Butler at (480) 321-4978 for details.

Heat illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

Heat cramps:

• Brief, severe cramps in muscles of the legs, arms or abdomen.
• May occur during/after exercise in extreme heat
• Children are especially susceptible
• Do not require special treatment; just shade, rest and fluids

Heat exhaustion:

• Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, clammy skin, headache, vomiting, rapid breathing
• Occurs in a hot climate when victim fails to drink enough fluid
• Treatment requires shade, loose clothing, food and drink and/or a cool bath

Heatstroke:

• Most severe form of heat illness; it is a life-threatening medical emergency
• Occurs when body cannot regulate its own temperature, which can go above 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Can occur when a child is left in a car on a hot day
• Symptoms include flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating; severe, throbbing headache; weakness, dizziness, confusion; fatigue; seizure; loss of consciousness
• Requires prompt medical treatment to bring body temperature under control

Source: Banner Health Summer Safety Guide

About Banner Baywood Medical Center
Banner Baywood Medical Center opened in 1984 in Mesa, Ariz. and provides complete acute-care services in a 332-bed hospital. The hospital serves the growing East Valley communities of Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills and areas of northeastern Pinal County.

Banner Baywood Medical Center employs more than 1,500 health care professionals and support staff and has approximately 500 volunteers. The facility has a medical staff of more than 800 physicians, including primary care and specialty physicians. Banner Baywood Medical Center is part of nonprofit Banner Health, Arizona’s largest health care provider and second largest private employer.