--- title: "Greenwood Faces Elevated Risks of Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Summer Conditions" url: https://www.heregreenwood.com/2026/08/02/greenwood-faces-elevated-risks-heat-related/ date: 2026-08-02T18:55:33+00:00 modified: 2026-08-02T18:55:33+00:00 author: "Jake Kumar" categories: ["National"] site: "HERE Greenwood" attribution: "HERE Greenwood" --- # Greenwood Faces Elevated Risks of Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Summer Conditions *Source: [HERE Greenwood](https://www.heregreenwood.com/2026/08/02/greenwood-faces-elevated-risks-heat-related/) — August 2, 2026 by Jake Kumar* Periods of hot and humid weather consistently lead to a rise in heat-related illnesses, a trend that local medical professionals in Greenwood are observing as summer progresses. Conditions such as heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and the more severe heat stroke can emerge when the body struggles to regulate its core temperature. Studies have documented a clear correlation between high temperatures and increased emergency department visits, as well as hospital admissions, for conditions like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These medical events place additional strain on healthcare providers, including Self Regional Healthcare, a central institution in Greenwood County. Heat cramps, often the mildest form of heat-related illness, manifest as painful muscle spasms, typically in the legs, arms, or abdomen. They are frequently a result of heavy sweating during strenuous activity, which depletes the body’s salt and water. Heat rash, characterized by small red bumps, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and swell, causing discomfort and itching. More serious is heat exhaustion, which can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Heat stroke represents the most severe form of heat-related illness, occurring when the body’s temperature regulation system fails. Normal core body temperature typically hovers around 98.6 °F (37 °C). In cases of heat stroke, this can dangerously rise to approximately 103° to 104 °F (39.4° to 40 °C). The symptoms are acute and demand immediate medical intervention. They include hot or flushed skin, a rapid and strong pulse, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and potentially loss of consciousness. Unlike heat exhaustion, individuals experiencing heat stroke may stop sweating, indicating a complete breakdown of the body’s cooling mechanism. Accurate measurement of body temperature is crucial in diagnosing and managing heat-related illnesses. Medical guidelines recommend rectal temperature for checking overheating, as oral, axillary, and tympanic measurements can be unreliable in these critical situations. This precision helps healthcare providers at facilities like Self Regional Healthcare make informed decisions for patient care. Dehydration, a common precursor to more severe heat-related issues, presents with symptoms such as increased thirst, dizziness, and fatigue. A key indicator of dehydration is a reduction in urine output, with the urine appearing darker than its normal light yellow color. Maintaining proper hydration is fundamental to preventing the onset of these conditions. Certain populations are at a significantly higher risk for developing heat-related illnesses. This includes the very young, whose bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature, and the very old, who may have underlying health conditions or take medications that impair their ability to cope with heat. For instance, children participating in summer programs through the Greenwood County School Districts or engaging in outdoor play at the Greenwood County Recreation Complex require vigilant supervision and frequent hydration breaks. Individuals who perform prolonged exertional outdoor work are also highly vulnerable. This category encompasses construction workers, landscapers, and agricultural laborers who spend extended hours under the sun. Similarly, intense athletes, including those training at Lander University, face elevated risks due to the combination of physical exertion and environmental heat. These groups must take proactive measures to mitigate exposure and stay hydrated. City and county officials in Greenwood have emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding heat safety. Mayor Brandon A. Smith and City Manager Julie Wilkie have, through various channels, encouraged residents to take precautions during periods of high heat. Sheriff Dennis D. Kelly and Chief of Police Thomas “TJ” Chaudoin also underscore the need for community members to look out for one another, especially vulnerable neighbors. Superintendent Shane Goodwin of Greenwood County School District 50 ensures that summer activities for students prioritize safety in hot weather, while County Manager Toby Chappell coordinates county-wide efforts to address public health concerns related to extreme temperatures. Preventative measures are straightforward but critical. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if not feeling thirsty, is paramount. Avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol, and excessive caffeine can also help. Seeking shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing are effective strategies. Limiting strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned environments are also advisable. Public spaces such as Uptown Greenwood Streetscape Parks and Lake Greenwood State Park, while popular for recreation, require visitors to exercise caution and plan activities for cooler times of the day. If someone exhibits symptoms of heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cooler place, have their clothing loosened, and be given sips of water. Cool, wet cloths applied to the skin can also help lower body temperature. For suspected heat stroke, immediate medical attention is essential. Call 911 or local emergency services without delay. While waiting for help, attempt to cool the person down with any available means, such as a cool bath or shower, or by fanning them. ### Why it matters in Greenwood The persistent threat of heat-related illnesses during the summer months has direct and tangible consequences for the community of Greenwood. Self Regional Healthcare, as the primary medical facility serving the area, experiences increased patient volumes and resource demands when temperatures climb. The well-being of students in Greenwood County School Districts, athletes at Lander University, and outdoor workers across various local industries is directly impacted by the severity of summer heat. Proactive measures and community vigilance are essential to safeguard public health and ensure that the city’s vital institutions can continue to provide effective care and services without being overwhelmed by preventable heat-related emergencies.