Heat Stress

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and happens when the body loses its ability to sweat. Dehydration and over exposure to the sun can cause heat stroke. The main sign of heat stroke is an elevated body temperature greater than 104 degrees and changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion.

Who Can Be Affected

Anyone can be affected. People at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with existing chronic diseases such as heart disease, and people without access to air conditioning. But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

If you live in the southern part of the state it is important to stay cool even though you may feel you are accustomed to the hot temperatures. Make sure your children and your elderly loved ones are in air conditioned place and are drinking plenty of water. A recent Department of Health report indicates that in southern New Mexico where high temperatures are common in the summer, there is an increased risk of visits to the emergency room for heat-related illness. Residents in this area could be at high risk of heat stress especially in June and July.

Heat Related Illness Report

See the Heat Stress Emergency Department Visits in New Mexico on the NM Tracking Data Query.

The Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you to take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:

• Stay cool indoors; do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Drink more water than usual
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar
• Replace salt and minerals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Pace yourself.
• Monitor people at high risk.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars.

Children

Make sure children stay hydrated and remain indoors in a place with air conditioning on hot days. On those hot summer days when temperatures are at the highest consider going to a local public library, museum, and a community center. These are good places for child activity time because often these sites have air conditioning (refrigerated air).

Children or animals can be seriously injured or die as temperatures rise within just 10 to 30 minutes of being left alone in a car. Do not leave your children or pets in the car while you are running errands no matter how quick you think it will be. Studies show the practice of leaving a vehicle window partially open, or cracked, has little effect on decreasing temperature inside.

Seniors

It is important that adults age 65 and older stay cool. During hot temperatures recreational sports and activities should be done indoors in a cool setting such as at a local senior center. Senior Centers, shopping malls and public libraries are great places to beat the heat. Seniors who are members of local senior centers should take advantage of their membership on hot days. Check up on elderly or ill relatives who are living on their own during the summer months when temperatures soar. It is critical for loved ones and neighbors to check on seniors who are vulnerable to extreme heat and may need access to a cool environment. If you know of someone who is homebound and without a properly functioning air conditioner, visit or call them to ask how they are doing.

To find services for seniors in your community call 800-432-2080.

Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and other industries are exposed to a great deal of exertional and environmental heat stress that may lead to severe illness or death. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illness. The plan should include hydration (drinking plenty of water), acclimatization (getting used to weather conditions), and schedules that alternate work with rest. Employers should also train workers about the hazards of working in hot environments [NIOSH 1986, 2008, 2010; OSHA-NIOSH 2011].

Preventing Heat-related Illness or Death of Outdoor Workers (683.8 KB)

Protecting Workers from Heat Illness (218.2 KB)

To learn more about occupational health and to learn how to report occupational illness or injury visit the health department's Occupational Health Surveillance Program.

Are you fire worker? Workers and volunteers face hazards even after fires are extinguished, including heat stress. Learn more about Fire worker and volunteer safety.

• Heat Stress Emergency Department Visits
• Heat Stress Hospitalizations

• New Mexico Resident Heat Stress ED Visits, May-September
• Heat Stress ED Visits Crude Rate per 100,000 population, May-September
• Age-adjusted Rates, Heat Stress ED Visits Per 100,000 Population, May-September
• New Mexico Heat Stress Hospital Admissions
• Heat Stress Hospital Admissions Crude Rates per 100,000 Population
• Heat Stress Age-adjusted Rates per 100,000 Population
• New Mexico Resident Heat Deaths
• Heat Deaths Crude Rate per 100,000 population
• Age-adjusted Rates, Heat Deaths Per 100,000 Population

• Heat Stress Hospitalizations Metadata File
• Heat Stress ED Visits Metadata File