Summer Safety Tips

Heat Stroke

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke, or sunstroke, occurs when the body is no longer capable of controlling its own temperature. This problem manifests itself in the victim's inability to sweat, which means that body heat is not released through the normal means of perspiration.

Is it dangerous?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can permanently damage the internal organs, especially the brain.

How does it happen?

Working, playing, or exercising in hot weather without drinking enough fluids is one if the main causes of heat stoke. By not replacing lost fluids over a period of days or weeks, or even within the time frame of a few hours, heat stroke can occur. Without the right amount of fluids, the core body temperature (the temperature of its internal organs) rises rapidly, and the body is unable to perform necessary functions.

Being active outdoors in humid weather increases the chances of heat stroke, as well. In dry weather, sweat evaporates quickly, which cools the body more efficiently than in humid weather. The humidity factor on weather forecasts indicates how one will actually feel outdoors, as opposed to just how hot it is.

Who's at risk?

People with the following conditions are especially prone to heat stroke, however, heat stroke can affect anyone:

• older age

• obesity

• alcoholism

• chronic illnesses like heart disease

• use of certain medicines such as diuretics and antihistamines

• use of some psychoactive drugs such as alcohol and cocaine

What are the symptoms?

• extremely high temperature

• rapid, strong pulse

• rapid, shallow breathing

• headache, nausea, dizziness

• confusion, strange behavior, may become extremely disoriented

• small pupils

• possible loss of consciousness and convulsions

• red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased)

How can I help a victim?

If treating a heat stroke victim, the most important thing to do is call 911. While waiting for help to arrive, here are some tips on what to do:

• Remove victim to cooler location, out of the sun

• Loosen or remove clothing and immerse victim in very cool water if possible

• If immersion isn't possible, cool victim with water, or wrap in wet sheets and fan for quick evaporation

• Use cold compresses-especially to the head & neck area, also to armpits and groin

• Do NOT give any medication to lower fever--it will not be effective and may cause further harm

• Do NOT use an alcohol rub

• It is not advisable to give the victim anything by mouth (even water) until the condition has been stabilized.

How can I prevent it?

The best way to prevent heat stroke is to drink large amounts of water regularly. Thirst is a poor indicator of dehydration, and in most cases heat stroke comes on suddenly. Other prevention strategies include:

• wearing loose fitting, light-colored clothes - light colors reflect more sunlight

• trying to relax in the shade during the hottest part of the day

• avoiding coffee and alcohol, especially beer, due to their fluid loss effect

• learning the technique of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Is heat exhaustion the same thing as heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion, although not as serious as heat stroke, is another harmful side effect of too much time in the sun without enough fluids. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are listed below; the most noticeable difference between a victim of heat stroke and of heat exhaustion is that the latter will be able to sweat and will do so profusely.

• moderately high temperature

• cool, pale, clammy skin

• headache

• nausea

• fatigue

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• possible fainting, but can be revived

What do I do for someone with heat exhaustion?

Someone suffering form heat exhaustion should be put in a cool place, laid down, and given small drinks of liquid every few minutes. Watch carefully for signs of a worsening condition, but there's no need to rush to a hospital for a normal case of heat exhaustion.

Sunburn

Summer Safety in the Sun

Seashells, sandy feet, and salty hair are all pleasant reminders of a day at the beach; but coming home with a sunburn is an unpleasant, painful, and constant reminder of poor planning and too much hot sun. Sunburn is a medical condition, defined as overexposure of the skin to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can lead to dehydration, fever, second-degree burns, secondary infection, shock, and ultimately, skin cancer. When UV rays penetrate deep into the skin, they cause long-term damage like wrinkles, blotches, sagging and discoloration, and increase the likelihood of future cases of skin cancer. One serious sunburn can raise the risk of skin cancer by as much as fifty percent, even though this cancer could take several years to develop. Once burned, there is no way to reverse the damage of over-exposure to the sun, although there are ways to prevent it and lessen the pain.

How can I avoid sunburn?

• Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all exposed areas of the body

• Minimize your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM, when the sun is strongest

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days and especially after swimming or perspiring.

• Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face -- like a hat!

• Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps or tanning parlors.

Ouch! How I can make my sunburn stop hurting?

• Aloe Vera is antibacterial and highly effective for burns because it stimulates the immune system. Aloe Vera gel may be squeezed from the leaves of the plant, or purchased at most health and drug stores.

• Apply cool, but not cold, compresses and/or take baths for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day (baking soda in the water may help relieve the pain).

• Apply a soothing lotion to the skin, but don't use petroleum jelly, ointment or butter; these can make the symptoms worse and do not allow air in to assist the healing.

• An over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) may be helpful (but aspirin should not be given to children).