Tips to avoid heatstroke during the summer

MIAMI (WSVN) — Officials are offering tips to help beat the summer heat and avoid a heatstroke.

Summer is here and the temperature is heating up as the sweltering sun beats down, not giving South Floridians a break.

As you prepare to spend your summer days outside, everyone will need to heed the warning signs for heatstroke and heat exhaustion. “Prevention is always the best, so if you can stay indoor or in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., that is the best,” said Holtz Children’s Hospital Pediatrician Audrey Ofir. “And the second best thing is to be able to stay hydrated at all times.”

If you’re spending your days in the pool or at the park or working outdoors, muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

You could be suffering from heat exhaustion if you experience heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; or fainting. As soon as you begin to feel these symptoms, move to a cooler location, lie down and loosen your clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible, and sip on water.

“On the other hand, heat stroke is a medical emergency. This is a state where the body can no longer cool itself. And so the core temperature can reach 104 or even higher temperature,” said Ofir.

Symptoms also include hot, red, dry, or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. Call 911, move to a cooler environment, reduce body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath, and do not give fluids.

If your kids are enjoying their summer at camp — no need to worry, South Florida park reps are prepared. “We give kids water breaks every 20 mins during the hottest part of the day, and that’s really a key,” said Jim O’Connor, Aquatic Safety Coordinator for Miami-Dade Parks. “You need to be aware of what type of activities, how strenuous the activity, the duration of the activity, during high heat times of the day.”

Source: “Tips to Avoid Heatstroke during the Summer.” - WSVN-TV. N.p., 03 July 2015. Web. 07 July 2015.


Heat exhaustion, heat stroke cases on the rise

By KIM FIELDS

BOISE — Thursday was the seventh consecutive day that temperatures in the Treasure Valley have hit the 100 degree mark.

And among the many who are concerned about the dangers of this heat wave, are emergency room physicians.

We are more susceptible to heat exhaustion when the heat index reaches 90. And keep this in mind, exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.

On a hot summer day, even sitting in the heat can wear you down, not to mention working out in this triple-digit heat.

ER physicians call it the trauma season. And the Fourth of July is one of their busiest days.

“We’re seeing a lot of trauma injuries. People are out in the sun getting into accidents, maybe drinking a little too much, playing on the river, maybe playing on dirt bikes and hurting themselves,” said Dr. Andrew Nelson, Emergency Physician at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.

Add to the list of traumas, heat exhaustion and the more serious condition of heat stroke. Untreated, heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Dr. Nelson treated someone for heat stroke just a few days ago.

“Sometimes they get so sick that they have neurological injury because they’re so hot. So we really recommend they go inside, stay hydrated, rest up,” said Nelson.

Nelson says keep this in mind: If you’re body temperature is going above 100 degrees, if you’re having trouble sweating to stay cool, or if you’re thirsty and unable to quench your thirst — go inside and cool off.

If that doesn’t make your symptoms go away, seek medical attention right away.

“If you stay out in the heat even longer you can become confused, have seizures and even go into a coma,” said Nelson.

Also keep in mind that the young and elderly are even more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

And be sure to stay away from alcohol if you’re in the heat. It dehydrates your body even more.

Nelson says the heat exhaustion cases he treats are typically from people spending too much time in the heat and not drinking enough fluids.

Source: Fields, Kim. “Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke Cases on the Rise.” KTVB. N.p., 02 July 2015. Web. 02 July 2015.


Heat Wave: How To Avoid Heat Stroke

By MARIA LEONILA MASCULINO

The first thing people should avoid is dehydration by drinking lots of water to replenish the fluids our body sweats out.

95% of vegetables like lettuce, cucumber and celery contain is water, so eating fresh salad also helps. Watermelon and other fruits with lycopene also protects us from too much sun exposure.

Foods to avoid include meat, mangoes, artichokes, and asparagus, since these either heat up or dehydrate the body. Alcohol is another diuretic that causes the body to frequently excrete fluid intake which also leads to dehydration.

Experts advise to stay under the shade especially between hours 11 AM to 3 PM when the sun is on its peak.

When staying indoors, aiming the electric fan directly to the body also causes dehydration in temperatures higher than 35°C especially to those who are sick in bed.

Outdoor activities like gardening, exercise or anything that requires physical exhaustion should be done early morning, late afternoon, or in the evening.

Wearing loose and lightweight cotton clothes in this hot weather is advised. Experts also recommend wearing sun screens, hats, sun glasses and clothing to protect the skin.

For old people most especially, too much sun exposure could cause serious health risks such as heat stroke. Heat strokes occur when the temperature reaches over the normal rate of 37 to 38C, to as high as over 40C. This causes dysfunction in the brain that affects the muscles, causing the body cells and other organs to deteriorate. Chances for survival are low despite getting immediate medical help.

According to The Guardian, symptoms of heat stroke include “headache, nausea, red, hot and dry skin, sudden rise in temperature, intense thirst, confusion and aggression, loss of consciousness.”

Source: Masculino, Maria Leonila. “Heat Wave: How To Avoid Heat Stroke.” Food World News RSS. N.p., 01 July 2015. Web. 01 July 2015.


Heatstroke - the heatwave killer

By JAMES GALLAGHER

Temperatures are rising across Europe and while the sun is out so are the health warnings.

Heatwaves can have a profound effect on the body beyond sunburn - it can be deadly.

The earliest, and relatively mild, heat-related issues are:

  • heat cramps caused by dehydration (it’s often linked to exercise)
  • heat rash
  • heat oedema which mainly takes the form of swollen ankles

The more serious problems include heat exhaustion, which develops into fatal heatstroke.

Sick and faint

Sweating is the main method your body uses to keep cool as temperatures rise.

But all the time you’re sweating you’re also losing salts and water and it leads to a drop in blood pressure.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to being dehydrated - feeling sick, faint and sometimes shock.

Treatment should be relatively easy at this stage - drinking plenty of water and moving to a cooler place.

But things can become much worse and develop into heatstroke.

Eventually the body’s ability to sweat shuts down as fluid levels become dangerously low.

Someone who once looked bright pink and sweaty becomes pale with hot dry skin.

With no way of cooling down, core body temperature can soar above 40C (it is normally 37C).

Symptoms at this stage include confusion, disorientation, convulsions and falling into a coma and can culminate in organ failure, brain damage and death.

Suspected heatstroke should always be considered a medical emergency.

Thunderstorms

The heat can also exacerbate a wide range of other health conditions.

The extra strain on the heart because of changes in blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

There is even “thunderstorm asthma” as the number of attacks increases after some thunderstorms, although the reason is not entirely clear.

The point at which heat becomes a problem varies widely, as there are differences between people and countries.

People who struggle to control their temperatures - including babies, the elderly and those on some medications - will be affected at lower temperatures.

Dr Angie Bone, the head of extreme events and health protection at Public Health England, says there are also big differences between countries.

She told the BBC: “If you look at temperature and mortality - even within England - the threshold we start to see increases in deaths is different in the south and north of the country.

“If you’re regularly exposed to these temperatures then your body acclimatises.

“But also how countries organise buildings and cities has an effect - compare ours with the Mediterranean. They have more shade, external shutters on buildings and air conditioning as they’re used to these temperatures.”

Source: Gallagher, James. “Heatstroke - the Heatwave Killer - BBC News.” BBC News. N.p., 01 July 2015. Web. 07 July 2015.

 


Know signs of heat stroke

Temperatures above 90 degrees can cause heat stroke, a serious condition where the body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher, according to mayoclinic.org. Heat stroke symptoms include flushed skin, racing heart rate, vomiting, throbbing headache, dizziness, fainting, confusion — and lack of sweating, despite the heat. If left untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness and death.

If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately.

While waiting for help to arrive, do everything possible to cool the person: move them into shade or air conditioning; remove unnecessary clothing; spray with a garden hose, place in a shallow tub or cold water, and apply ice packs to the person’s head, armpits and groin.

To avoid heat stroke, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks and rest in the shade when needed.

Not drinking enough water and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can both contribute to heat stroke. High-risk individuals include the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Excessive exercise should be limited on hot days.

Animals are also at risk for heat stroke. Pets respond differently to heat than humans do, losing most of their heat through their feet, according to the humansociety.org. For instance, fans don’t cool a pet as effectively as they do humans. If pets must be outside in the heat, be certain they have shade and plenty of water. Limit their exercise, and avoid contact with asphalt and concrete.

Source: “Know Signs of Heat Stroke.” Valley Journal:. N.p., 30 June 2015. Web. 30 June 2015.


Is the sunshine making you ill? 6 signs you have heatstroke – and what you can do about it

By CLAIRE SPREADBURY

Wimbledon’s hottest day ever is predicted for this Wednesday, with temperatures expected to soar to a sweaty 36C in London, while the rest of the country will hardly be left in the shade. In short, it’s going to be hot, hot, hot.

But before the excitement peaks and is replaced with us all moaning about the boiling conditions, it’s important to remember there’s a more serious side to the sunshine.

If you’re feeling under the weather as the heat rises – make sure you know what to do.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is far more common than heatstroke and isn’t as serious - but it can still make you feel pretty lousy, and can develop into heatstroke if you don’t do anything about it, so it’s important to take action at this stage.

“Heat exhaustion is when a person experiences fatigue as a result of low blood pressure and blood volume, from being exposed to prolonged periods of heat,” says Dr David Smart MBChB, founder, director and lead GP of The Smart Clinics.

“Symptoms include headache, nausea, faintness, very hot skin, extreme weakness, heavy sweating, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion and urinating less.

“To prevent heat exhaustion, take simple precautions; stay out of direct sunlight at the hottest times of the day, remain well-hydrated at all times, take water with you on car or train journeys, avoid extreme physical exhaustion, keep yourself cool with water sprays or showers and never leave anyone in a parked car.”

Don’t ignore it

Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chalmers adds: “If you have heat exhaustion, then moving to a cool place, drinking water to rehydrate and removing layers of clothes to cool the body down should help within 30 minutes. However, if you’re in a vulnerable group (under two, over 70, diabetic, have kidney, liver or circulation problems) or have developed heatstroke, call 999, as this is a medical emergency.”

What is heatstroke?

“Heatstroke is when the body’s temperature becomes dangerously high as a result of gaining more heat than it can cool down,” says Dr Smart. “It’s caused by dehydration. If you have been hot for a long period of time and you start you start to feel unwell, move to a cooler place and drink water, small amounts at first, and pay attention to children and the elderly, as they are particularly susceptible.”

What to do if you have heatstroke

If you think you – or someone you know – is developing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help, advises Dr Smart.

“Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to serious medical complications, such as seizures and organ failure. People can die, particularly if they’re vulnerable.”

If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 straight away, adds Preston. “Whilst waiting for the ambulance, you should attempt to cool the person by moving them to a cool area, opening any windows and giving them water to drink.”

What about sunstroke?

Though they sound similar, heatstroke and sunstroke are very different.

“Sunstroke is a type of heatstroke caused by sitting in the sun for prolonged periods and getting burned,” says Chalmers.

“You will also suffer from dehydration, however, heatstroke is caused by high temperatures that cause dehydration, therefore you can get heatstroke by staying inside or in the shade.”

Source: Spreadbury, Claire. “Is the Sunshine Making You Ill? 6 Signs You Have Heatstroke – and What You Can Do about It.” BT.com. N.p., 29 June 2015. Web. 29 June 2015.


Local coaches get tips on how to protect athletes from the heat

By RACHEL ROLLAR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With the Charlotte region under a heat wave, high school football coaches throughout the area are learning how to keep players safe.

USA Football is set out on teaching high school coaches the same safety techniques that are used in the NFL.

Heat and hydration go hand-in-hand.

” No question about it I think in the last two weeks it’s been 97, 98, and 99, and humidity is up, hydration is paramount of importance right now,” Former high school coach Jimmy Wallace said.

Coach Wallace would know, he was on the field in South Carolina for 40 years, now he’s a master trainer for USA Football hosting “Heads Up Football” player safety clinics.

“Heads Up Football is a comprehensive approach to a better and safer game, encompassing USA Football’s accredited Level 1 Coach Certification Course; Heads Up Tackling and Heads Up Blocking techniques; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concussion recognition and response protocols; sudden cardiac arrest protocols; heat and hydration; and instruction on proper helmet and shoulder pad fitting.”

Coach Wallace points out that communication is key, especially with mom.

“Mom makes a lot of decisions at home and you want to make sure they’re hydrating at home taking care of themselves and we’re going to give them all the water they need at practice,” Wallace said. He says the number one mission is to enhance player safety.

Coach Wallace hopes football will pave the way for safety in all sports.

Source: Rollar, Rachel. “Local Coaches Get Tips on How to Protect Athletes from the Heat.” USA Today High School Sports. N.p., 26 June 2015. Web. 26 June 2015.


Stay Safe This Weekend, Know The Signs of Heat Stroke

By SAMANTHA HARRELSON

BILLINGS -It’s going to be a busy weekend in Billings. But temperatures could be getting up to 100 degrees this weekend and when it gets that hot you need to be careful.

Dehydration, heat illness, and even heat stroke can happen if you aren’t taking precautions. Doctors recommend you stay out of the sun as much as possible especially during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

“Staying hydrated is really important because sweating is one of the main ways we get rid of heat with our body and if you’re not hydrated than you can’t sweat enough. If you’re getting to the point where you’re overheated and you stop sweating, that’s a very bad sign. That means you’re getting into the verge of overheating and getting into heat stroke,” said Dr. Ray Wright, a emergency physician at the Billings Clinic.

But the heat isn’t going to stop them, event coordinators say they will just take extra precautions.

The 43rd annual Symphony in the Park is on Sunday, and they are getting ready for the high temperatures.

“We do have a heat tent, or a shade tent, down by the creek and it is reserved seating so it’s first come first serve. It’s $10 at the tent. We also are providing water, we definitely encourage everybody to bring your umbrellas, bring extra water, bring sunscreen and come and enjoy the show,” said Michelle Dawson, marketing manager for Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale.

So don’t let the heat stop you, go out and enjoy all the events this weekend just make sure you’re hydrated and prepared. If you start feeling weak, dizzy, or nauseous those are all signs that you should get help immediately.

If you have symptoms you can spray cold mist, get in front of a fan, or just get inside. If the symptoms continue, you should go see a doctor.

Source: Harrelson, Samantha. “Stay Safe This Weekend, Know The Signs of Heat Stroke.” - KULR-8 Television, Billings, MT. N.p., 26 June 2015. Web. 26 June 2015.


First-aid: Learn how to treat heatstroke patients, save lives

By YUSRA SALIM

“The main reason behind the deaths is because people are unaware of the precautions and initial medical aid,” said Indus Hospital’s communication and resource development manager Saqib Zeeshan as he distributed chilled water bottles and juices among the attendants waiting in the park outside the health facility. “In my life, I haven’t experienced any situation like this in Karachi.”

According to the head of Indus Hospital’s emergency department Syed Ghazanfar Saleem, heatstroke is not the first and final stage, but it is the third stage and can be prevented if the patient knows what to do.

Heat stroke is actually the third phase of the ailment, said Saleem, adding that a patient or his attendant should start to worry when they feel heat cramps or heat exhaustion. “Every patient who is suffering from heatstroke has gone through the earlier two phases of cramps and exhaustion, which causes nausea, vomiting, rashes and dizziness,” he said.

If someone in your house or neighbourhood complains of redness across their body or they faint, take them to a doctor, keep them hydrated and give them ORS instead of water so that the body is able to maintain body salts, he advised. “The age bracket, which is mostly affected by heat, is toddlers or old people who are more than 50 years old,” he added.

Saleem admitted that a majority of the people who came for treatment had no idea what to do with the patient on the way to the health facility. “You can give them ORS, remove unnecessary clothes and sponge them with a wet towel on their face, underarms, thighs and neck,” he said.

A heatstroke patient can never be treated at home and should be taken to a hospital as soon as possible. “Heatstroke is a medical emergency when the temperature of the body rises up to 41 degrees or 106 Fahrenheit,” he explained. “A patient takes around 12 to 24 hours to reach normal temperature, which is 36 to 38 degrees. Their temperature should be checked frequently and they should be kept under a fan or an air-conditioner.”

The protocol at the hospital is also simple. “When any patient comes to us, we first try to keep him hydrated,” said the doctor. For the toddlers and elderly, the doctors insert a tube through their nose, mouth or the urinary track to their stomach to water the body.

As Indus Hospital received a large number of patients from Ibrahim Hyderi, Korangi, Landhi and other nearby areas, its administration decided to convert its three general wards into air-conditioned emergency wards. “We have discontinued all OPD’s and converted them into emergency wards to make more space for heatwave patients,” said Zeeshan.

Since Sunday night, these doctors have treated nearly 900 patients who suffered from heatstroke. The total number of casualties at Indus was 43, out of which 19 were dead on arrival.

Source: Salim, Yusra. “First-aid: Learn How to Treat Heatstroke Patients, save Lives - The Express Tribune.” The Express Tribune Firstaid Learn How to Treat Heatstroke Patients save Lives Comments. N.p., 25 June 2015. Web. 25 June 2015.


Sunburn, Dehydration and Fatigue: The Best Ways to Protect yourself and Enjoy Summer

By ERIN BROCKMEYER

Too much sun? This time of year, Portlanders are so starved for sun that they neglect to account for the pastiness of their skin or the heat of the day. Too much time in the sun can leave you vulnerable to a host of problems, the 3 most common of which are the subject of this article. Find out about the complications from and the simple ways to combat sunburn, fatigue and dehydration so you can take full advantage of the summer.

Sunburn

This is one of the most obvious and painful of the sun-related injuries. Whether you burn or not, skin damage will happen if you don’t protect yourself in the sun. Sunscreen is seen as the obvious solution these days, but ideally that would be something that you only use on a limited basis. Vitamin D is a great thing and it can be challenging to get enough of this vital vitamin when you live in the Pacific Northwest, so you don’t want to completely skip the sun exposure by relying too heavily on sunblock.

More important is to choose your sun wisely. Avoid the direct sun during the most intense times of the day (typically regarded as 10-4), and stick to indirect sunlight and shade during the hotter times. If you can’t (or don’t want to) avoid peak sun hours, then covering up is ideal, wearing hats and loose-fitting clothing with a tight knit. If you are going to be in the sun, opt for a sunscreen that meets the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen list. To find out how much protection your sunscreen will afford you, check out the simple equation laid out by the American Skin Association.

If you have ignored all of the above recommendations, there are some foolproof ways to soothe sunburn.

First and best known is aloe. If you are prone to sunburn, it is a good idea to have some aloe on hand. Keep a plant at your house, or a real aloe (no added chemicals) gel in your medicine cabinet. Apply liberally post sunburn.

The other thing that works incredibly well is Vitamin E in the form of oil or lotion (aloe first, vitamin E next). Then take a healthy dose of Vitamin C. I prefer about 1000 mg, but you can safely take between 500-2000 mg twice/day depending on your digestive integrity. Vitamin C is water soluble, so if you get too much you will have diarrhea. Vitamin C helps speed tissue repair, which is vital during a sunburn. You can also pop an anti-inflammatory OTC medication like ibuprofen. It doesn’t take much, and you should always follow the directions on the package.

Lastly, for your sleeping comfort, wearing close-fitting clothes (contrary to what you might think), can provide you with protection from all those little things (like your bedding) that might tough and irritate your sunburn. For instance, instead of shorts or pajama pants, which themselves can irritate a sunburn on your legs, sleep in leggings. It will feel painful to put them on, but will allow for a better night of sleep. Follow these steps, and the next morning you will feel much better!

Fatigue

The heat wave that hit Portland a few weeks ago had many of my acupuncture patients complaining of a deep intense fatigue. A lot of you are like precious flowers in the sun, and you wilt just like they do. A lot of that fatigue comes from too much sun exposure. The sun kicks in a host of chemical reactions in your body, and even though some of these are advantageous (think Vitamin D), they can cause fatigue.

Your body temperature rises from being in the sun, and when you get hot your body uses a lot of energy trying to keep you cool, which leads to fatigue. Some people are much more sensitive to this process than are others, and those are the people who tend to be lethargic in hot weather. You also need to be aware of the possibility of dehydration from sun exposure. Just because you aren’t dripping with sweat doesn’t mean your requirement for hydration doesn’t increase.

Need tips for combating sun-related fatigue? First and foremost, hydrate. If need be, you can try a drink that promises to replenish electrolytes — coconut water or Recharge (natural Gatorade) are two good options. Secondly, give yourself breaks from the sun and from the heat. If you are especially fatigued and don’t have air conditioning, seek refuge in an air conditioned place during the hottest times of the day. Make sure you also give yourself extra time to sleep. Just because it is light out longer doesn’t mean you have to do more and stay up later than usual. Lastly, consider seeing an herbalist. In my practice I commonly treat people who are excessively sun fatigued with Chinese herbal formulas that help to boost their energy. Consulting a practitioner could also help alert you to any more serious underlying causes of your fatigue.

Dehydration

This has been mentioned under the “Fatigue” heading, but it deserves its own category because it is such a neglected and potentially dangerous side-effect of lovely hot sunshiny days. Mild dehydration can cause thirst, fatigue, headaches, and mild dizziness. To avoid this, simply drink water regularly throughout the day. By the time you think, “I’m thirsty, I’d better drink something” you have already dipped your toe in the dehydration pool, but just barely. The feeling of thirst means that you are only very very slightly dehydrated; it can easily be reversed by drinking some fluids.

The right amount of fluids per day varies from person to person and also changes based on the activities you are doing, the temperature of the day, and even the foods you are eating. The best way to monitor proper hydrationaccording to the Mayo Clinic is to pay attention to the color of your urine. Pale urine is a sign of good hydration, where as yellow or dark urine means you are dehydrated.

It is especially important to pay attention to hydration of the elderly and young children on warm and sunny days, as they are much more vulnerable to the effects of the heat. Signs of extreme dehydration listed on the Mayo Clinic website include the following: extreme thirst, extreme fussiness or irritability in children, confusion or irritability in adults, very dry mouth and mucus membranes, little or no urination, rapid heartbeat and/or breathing, puckered skin, sunken eyes, sunken fontanel in babies, delirium. If you see these signs, simply hydrating likely won’t be enough, so you should seek immediate medical help.

Love your sunshine, Portlanders. Bask in it. Just use a little bit of common sense, and remember that your body has spent the last 9 months in sun deprivation. Adjust slowly, pay attention to the simple recommendations listed above, and you’ll be able to live each summer day to the fullest.

Source: Brockmeyer, Erin. “GoLocalPDX | Health | Sunburn, Dehydration and Fatigue: The Best Ways to Protect Yourself and Enjoy Summer.”GoLocalPDX Main. N.p., 25 June 2015. Web. 25 June 2015.