Friday 4 January 2013 With a week of temperatures above 40
degrees behind us and another one ahead, the Department of
Health is reminding Centralians of the risks associated with
heat stress. Director of Emergency Medicine at the Alice Springs
Hospital, Dr Stephen Gourley points out that some people are
more vulnerable in hot conditions. "The elderly, young children
and babies are more prone to heat stress than most as their
bodies can't always regulate temperature changes efficiently,"
he said. "Effects can build up over a number of days, as people
become exhausted from the heat, which could exacerbate heart
disease and other chronic problems" Dr Gourley said. Anyone
experiencing severe symptoms, such as a high body temperature;
nausea; dry, red, hot skin; and a rapid heart rate should seek
urgent medical advice. People should take the following
precautions to help prevent heat-related illness: - Check on
older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the
heat. - Never leave anyone in a closed ca