50 New Mexicans to ERs with heat-related illnesses

May 26—The New Mexico Health Department wants to remind everyone to stay cool during the summer.

Since April 1, New Mexico has reported more than 50 cases of heat related illnesses across the state.

As temperatures climb into 80 and 90 degrees, the New Mexico Health Department (NM Health) is urging residents to stay cautious and cool.

Chief Medical Officer for NM Health, Dr. Miranda Durham, has a few suggestions for New Mexicans trying to safely enjoy the summer.

""This Memorial Day weekend and all summer be mindful of the temperature when you and your family are outdoors," Durham said.

Anybody can get hat related illness, but certain groups are more susceptible than others.

"While anyone can get sick from exposure to heat, everyone can lower the risk of getting sick by taking precautions," she said.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses can range from rash and sunburn to cramps and exhaustion. Certain groups are more vulnerable to these conditions, including:

People who work outside.

Athletes and others who spend time outside.

Young children and infants, especially when they are left unattended in cars.

Older adults as we cannot regulate our internal temperatures as well as we age.

People with chronic medical conditions may have a serious health problem during a heat wave.

Pregnant people are at higher risk for heat illness because their bodies must work harder to cool down the babies' body as well as their own.

NM Health recommends New Mexicans prepare for summer. A few suggestions include:

1) Never leave pets or children in vehicles. Cars can go from an internal temperature of 75 degrees to 117 within an hour.

2) Outdoor works should slow their work pace when it gets hot. If possible, it is suggested to shift work hours to cooler times of the day.

3) Athletes and others who spend time outside should avoid being outside in the hottest parts of the day, drink water regularly and rest in the shade.

4) Older adults and people taking medications should talk to their doctor about medications that make it harder for the body to cool itself in hot weather. These include many common medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines and some heart and high blood pressure medicines.

5) Using appliances early in the day or at night when there is less strain on the electrical grid.

You can find more information at NM-Tracking — Heat Related Illness and you can also track your heat risk from the National Weather Service at NWS HeatRisk.