August 6, 2007
Little Rock -- The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed that a second person has died this year from heat-related causes. Last year, seven (7) heat-related deaths were reported to the ADH.
While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are the most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone—even strong, healthy athletes can be stricken. Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through the skin and perspiration. Problems occur when we are unable to shed excess heat. When our heat gain exceeds the amount we can get rid of, our temperature begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop. The following heat disorders are progressive and should be attended to immediately:
- Heat cramps. These cause prolonged muscular pain as a result of muscle spasm due to severe salt depletion due to heavy sweating. Treatment includes salt replacement, cooling down and gentle massage.
- Heat exhaustion. This is the most common illness caused by heat and often occurs while the person is working outside or attending outside events in extremely hot, humid weather. The victim may complain of weakness and feel faint. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache and confusion. The person should be moved to a cooler place, and wet cloths applied for cooling down. Fluid and salt should be replaced. Depending on the severity of the illness, hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary. This condition usually comes just before heat stroke.
- Heat stroke (also called sunstroke). This is a life-threatening condition in which the victim’s temperature-control system stops working. Sweating stops completely, and the body’s temperature can rise so high that the nervous system, the brain and other organs can be damaged permanently. Death may occur if the body is not cooled quickly. The symptoms of heat stroke include sudden high fever, dry skin, delirium, convulsions and seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency--call 911 and cool the person as fast as you can. Ice, a cold bath, and wet sheets are recommended until medical help arrives.
Those who work, exercise, or participate in strenuous activity, such as football practice, for an hour or more during intense heat may lose up to two quarts of body water. If you must pursue intense activity during hot weather, follow these safety tips.
- Fluid and salt replacement are crucial to avoid heat risks. Drink plenty of water and replace the salt lost by sweating with salt tablets or with commercial drinks prepared for this purpose. Drink more water than usual before exercising or working in the heat. (If you are elderly or taking medication, ask your doctor about fluid intake recommendations.)
- Schedule your strenuous activity during the coolest time of the day.
- Monitor how you feel. If you have difficulty maintaining your regular pace, slow down.
Elderly people should avoid staying shut-up indoors during heat waves without using air conditioning.
More than half of the 700 heat-related deaths in the 1995 Chicago heat wave could have been prevented with an air conditioner in the home, according to a published study. Experts say fans may not protect against heat illness during intense heat waves. If you cannot afford an air conditioner for your home, spend more time in other air conditioned environments.
For more information on preventing heat disorders, go to the Internet and click on http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.
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