Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH).  The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, and even fun facts about the A to Z scope of responsibility that local Boards of Health manage.

The summer kicked off with a heat wave that set records in many communities across the Commonwealth. Close on its heels, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued an unhealthy heat forecast extending from Monday to Friday this week with temperatures reaching over 90⁰+F during the mid-week. DPH’s temperature forecast incorporates a “feels like” humidity index which accounts for how combined high heat and humidity affects how the body maintains its healthy temperature level. You can find the DPH warnings posted on the Board of Health webpage, or at Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast at Mass.gov.

It’s essential to good health that our body does not overheat. The heart works like a car radiator to cool the body by circulating warmer blood away from internal organs and bringing back cooler blood. Too warm blood is brought close to the skin to release its excess heat into the air. This causes people to look flushed when they overheat. Perspiration commences and as the sweat evaporates it cools the skin, which lowers the temperature of the blood. The cooler blood circulates back to the internal organs reducing their temperature. However, if the humidity is high because of excessive amounts of water vapor it makes it more difficult for sweat to evaporate, putting additional stress on the heart.

Staying well hydrated with water or other non-alcoholic fluids provides the reservoir the body needs to cool its way to a stable, internal temperature that prevents a cascade of serious physical and mental impairments from heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke. People with compromised health conditions, elders, young children, pregnant women and workers with prolonged outdoor jobs are particularly vulnerable to high heat harm due to dehydration.

An important, but less discussed, consideration in avoiding extreme heat impacts is the influence of prescription and over the counter medications can have on the body’s ability to  respond to unhealthy temperatures.  Examples of the risk posed by certain medications include:

• Temperature regulation disruption: Interfere with sweating or the body’s internal thermostat.

• Dehydration: Reduce thirst or increase fluid loss.

• Cardiovascular stress: Lower blood pressure or reduced heart rate response to heat.

• Electrolyte imbalance: Affect sodium, potassium, or other minerals needed for cooling and muscle function.

• Increased sensitivity to the skin from the sun.

If you need to be out in high temperatures, it is vital to consult your doctor or pharmacist about how your medication might affect your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The categories include:

• Heart and blood pressure medications

• Psychiatric and mental health drugs

• Allergy and bladder medications

• Diabetes and weight loss drugs

• Antibiotics and acne medications

• Pain relievers

Beyond your body's reaction, the efficacy of your medications can physically degrade in high temperatures. Extreme heat can break down active ingredients. Be sure to protect items like insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens from hot cars or direct sunlight.

The Council on Aging’s Senior Center serves as a cooling center for anyone who needs a break from the heat. You can contact the council at 508-636-1036. The fire department’s emergency management unit also responds to heat stress related calls. The board encourages everyone to check on elderly neighbors, expectant mothers and others with health conditions that may put them at risk.