Jul 8, 2008 11:53 am US/Eastern
Tips To Avoid Heat Related Illnesses
(WBZ)
When there is hot and humid weather, people should limit strenuous outdoor activity if possible to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Here are a few tips from Brigham and Women's Hospital: • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Thirst is a late indication that your body is already low on fluids. To aid absorption, drink frequent, small amounts of water or a low-sugar sports beverage (about 8 oz per hour) instead of large, sporadic amounts.
• Avoid dehydrating drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or high amounts of sugar.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and put on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Wear a hat and shade yourself with an umbrella, if possible.
• Do not take salt tablets, which do not replace water loss and can increase blood pressure, irritate the stomach and seriously affect people with a history of heart disease.
• Remain indoors for the heat of the day, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Try to limit strenuous outdoor activities and physical exercise to morning and evening hours.
• Take special care to check on individuals who may be at greater risk for heat-related illnesses: children, senior citizens, and people who have a mental illness or are physically ill, especially those who suffer from obesity, heart disease or high blood pressure. Patients on medications for psychiatric illness or hypertension may be at particular risk for hyperthermia.
Here are some of the signs of heat-related illness: • Heat Rash (prickly heat): A red or pink rash resulting from blocked and swollen sweat ducts; causes discomfort and itching.
• Heat Edema (swelling): Hands and feet swell after standing or sitting for long periods of time in the heat when blood vessels dilate and gravity pulls body fluids to extremities.
• Heat Cramps: Can occur in the muscles after exercising in the heat if the body loses excess fluid and electrolytes. Signals include muscle spasms, muscles that feel tender, hard or lumpy, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue.
• Heat Syncope (fainting): Results from exertion in a hot environment. Signs leading to heat syncope include pale, cool and moist skin and a feeling of lightheadedness, especially when changing positions (moving from lying down to standing up).
• Heat Exhaustion: Typically occurs after intense exertion and heavy sweating when the body fails to sufficiently cool down and results in a form of shock due to decreased blood flow to vital organs. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headache, dizziness or weakness and nausea. Body temperature is usually near normal. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that may lead to heat stroke. A person experiencing heat exhaustion should be monitored closely and should receive medical attention.
• Heat Stroke: Heat Stroke is a life-threatening illness that requires emergency treatment. Seek help immediately if you or a loved one experience a high body temperature (up to 105 degrees), flushed, hot, dry skin with no sweating, vomiting, a weak, rapid pulse, decreased alertness, changes in consciousness and shallow, rapid breathing. The key sign that distinguishes heat stroke from moderate heat illnesses is a noticeable change in mental status (disorientation, confusion, impaired thinking).
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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