The number one weather-related killer is often overlooked

According to data provided by the National Weather Service nearly 131 people die from the heat each year.

It’s a growing problem, especially when heat is the number one weather-related killer each year, well ahead of the 30-year average from hurricanes (46), tornadoes (70) and floods (84).

With the heat continuing to build in Mid-Missouri it’s important to make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent dehydration, exhaustion, or even worse, a heat stroke.

– Stay inside during the hottest hours of the day, which is usually from 10am-4pm.

– Wear lightweight and breathable clothing.

– Drink plenty of water and other fluids to replenish the water lost through sweat, as well as your electrolytes.

– Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as they lead to dehydration.

– See medical care right away if you start vomiting, get cramps, or become nauseous.

Three of the biggest medical problems in the heat are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. All three can easily be prevented if you try not to overexert yourself in the extreme heat and humidity.

Those three medical problems can easily be confused, but it’s always important to remember that heat cramps occur from the loss of body salts and fluids. Heat exhaustion occurs when you are nauseous, sweat profusely, and sometimes vomiting. Heat stroke, which is the worst, occurs when you stop sweating and your body turns red due to its inability to control its temperature.

Heat stroke can lead to shock, brain damage, or even death.

Stay with ABC17 Stormtrack Weather as we continue to monitor the heat and follow us on Twitter @ABC17Stormtrack.