Extreme heat has been affecting people across the globe, and the Lehigh Valley is no exception.

Over the last week, temperatures in the Lehigh Valley have been in the high 90s.

The heat has already claimed the life of one man.

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio reported last Friday, a 73-year-old Allentown man died from excessive heat exposure complicated by underlying medical conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, “Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself.

“While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough.

“In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”

The CDC further states, “Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this, around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.”

It is important to learn the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and be able to recognize the signs.

In last week’s edition of the Lehigh Valley Health Network Better Days Ahead newsletter, a discussion on heat exhaustion and heat stroke risk, as well as health prevention tips to staying cool, was offered.

“Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious medical conditions that can be prevented by simply following some simple rules when spending time outdoors,” says Lehigh Valley Hospital Hecktown Oaks emergency medicine physician John Wheary, D.O., in the newsletter.

According to Wheary, the signs of heat exhaustion can be dizziness, headache, weakness and clammy skin.

He advised moving to a cool place and resting if experiencing these symptoms.

Heat stroke is more severe and is considered a medical emergency, he said.

The signs of heat stroke include fever, fast/strong pulse, vomiting and confusion.

Wheary recommends anyone experiencing these symptoms move to a cool place and call 911.

Stay safe this summer by remaining indoors if you have air conditioning.

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or Gatorade.

Limit your time outdoors and avoid strenuous exercise or activities during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

Never leave a child, elderly person or pet alone in a vehicle on a hot summer day.

Also, check on family, friends and neighbors, especially senior citizens, who may not have air conditioning in their homes and live alone.

Don’t forget those furry friends; they, too, can be affected by extreme heat.

Keep pets safe by providing a cool, shaded place for them to rest, and be sure to provide them with plenty of cool water to drink.

Take your pet to a veterinarian if it shows signs of heat-related stress.

I encourage all Lehigh Valley residents to educate themselves on the dangers of extreme heat and the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It could save a life.