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Protection from heatstroke
Posted: Wednesday August 01, 2001 8:37 AM
ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- Between 1979 and 1996, 2,862 Americans died because of hot weather, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every one million people in the general population, three died of heatstroke during those years.
Normally, the body has several mechanisms to keep itself cool, said heat stroke expert Dr. Gary Reed, professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. Blood vessels at the surface of the body enlarge, allowing more heat to dissipate into the environment.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
body temperature of more than 103 degrees
throbbing headache
dizziness
nausea
confusion
unconsciousness
red, hot and dry skin
rapid and strong pulse
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are more mild and include:
heavy sweating
paleness
muscle cramps
fatigue
dizziness
headache
nausea
fainting
Heat exhaustion should be treated with fluids, a cold shower and rest. Left untreated, it can progress to heatstroke, which can be deadly.
Protect your health during hot weather. Remember to keep cool and use common sense. Take a look at the following tips to prevent heat illness.
Drink plenty of fluids -- Regardless of your activity level, increase the amount of fluids you drink.
Replace salt and minerals -- Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. Replace them by drinking fruit juices or a sport beverage.
Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen -- Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, use sunscreen and don a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool.
Pace yourself -- If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Your body needs time to acclimate.
Stay cool indoors -- Air-conditioning is one of the best ways to stay cool. If you do not have an air conditioner or evaporative cooling unit, head for a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Also, taking a cold shower or bath is an effective way to cool off.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully -- Plan outdoor activities for either before noon or in the evening. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
Use a buddy system -- When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.
Monitor those at high risk for heat illness -- They include: infants and children up to four years of age; people 65 years of age or older; people who are overweight; people who overexert during work or exercise; and people who are ill or on certain medications.
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