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Connie Moss, Founder & CEO

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Health & Well Being

September 4th, 2006

Volume I, Issue I

Have a question about this or other Health & Well Being topics? 

Email us at health@heartbeatthemagazine.com.

Each week, we’ll research a different Health and Well Being topic.  If there is something you’d like to see, let us know!

Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion

In this week’s issue, we’re going to explore Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion.  Now I know that some of you up north are thinking, “What???  It’s September!”.  Well, done here in the South, it’s still pretty darn hot! 

 

What causes it?   Did you know that the body, in high temperatures, cools itself through sweat?  Most people do.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that when it is humid out, this body mechanism doesn’t work properly!  Your body will lose a combination of fluids and salts, or electrolytes.  If you don’t replace those fluids and salts adequately, then you may have symptoms that are similar to shock.  Additionally, people who are relatively healthy, but are participating in a strenuous activity are at risk.  Infants, elderly people as well as people taking antihistamines or medication for depression or high blood pressure are at a higher risk.

Did you know? Children's bodies warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

What do I do?   If you suspect someone has had a heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, get medical attention immediately!  Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency!  While you are waiting for medical personnel to arrive, you may do the following to aide the person affected.  Move the person to a cooler place and if conscious, place them in a cool bath, but be sure to watch them continuously.  You may also wet the skin with lukewarm water and use a fan to blow cool air on them.  If they can, have them drink cool beverages.  If you suspect someone has succumbed to mild heat exhaustion, have them rest in a shaded, cooler area.  Have them drink cooler fluids such as Gatorade or another sports drink.  These are designed to replace the salt, or electrolytes in the body.  Loosen, or if appropriate, remove as much clothing as possible.  Make sure you do not use any type of alcohol rub and do not provide any drinks with alcohol or caffeine.  Call a doctor if the person suffering has become confused, delirious or lost consciousness, if they are suffering from chest or abdominal pain, unable to drink or continuous vomiting, has a temperature of 104°F, a temperature that will not decrease regardless of cooling attempts or if the person suffers from any other serious ongoing medical problem. 

Learn to recognize these symptoms and you could save yourself or a loved one from suffering Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion!

The information contained in this article is not meant to replace the advice of a doctor.  The information presented was obtained via www.webmd.com, www.ggweather.com, and www.cdc.gov.

Did you know?  The temperature outside or inside does not have to hit 100° F for you to be at risk for a heat-related illness.

What are some of the symptoms?  If you or your family members exhibit some of these symptoms, be alert!  Typical Heat Exhaustion symptoms are: Pale skin that is cool and moist, excessive sweating, fainting or feeling faint, feeling of headache, nausea, thirst or weakness, increased pulse rate with elevated body temperature.  Heat Stroke symptoms are different.  Look for these symptoms: sufferer is unconscious or showing signs of abnormal mental state, may be confused, delirious or dizzy, high blood pressure initially that plummets, hyperventilating, temperature of 105°F or higher and flushed, hot and dry skin (if water was applied to cool the person, skin will not still be dry!).

Remember: Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea when you’re in a hot place or during hot weather could be a sign of a heat-related illness.