|
July 20,
2003
Little
Rock --
As
the mercury continues to rise, Arkansas Department of Health
officials are warning residents that heat can kill, but using
precautionary measures can save lives.
On
average, there are 400 heat-related deaths a year in the U.S.
The 1995 heat wave in the Midwest contributed to 716
heat-related deaths in the U.S. that year alone.
The heat wave of 1980 was an especially hard one for
Arkansas—153 heat-related deaths.
Last year, seven Arkansans died from the extreme hot
weather.
Dr.
David Bourne, Medical Leader, says, “While the elderly,
people with health problems, and very young children are the
most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone—even strong, healthy
athletes.
Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through
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 are the result of prolonged muscular pain
caused by 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.
With heat exhaustion, there is interference in the
circulation of blood to vital organs such as the brain,
heart, and lungs.
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 or sweat up to two quarts of water.
If you must pursue intense activity during hot
weather, follow these safety tips.
- Drink
plenty of water; fluid replacement is crucial to avoid
heat risks.
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 are apparently not effective
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.
Access to air conditioning for even a few hours a
day is protective.
If you know someone who may be at risk for
heat-related problems, check on them frequently.
By
following these simple guidelines, Arkansans can beat the
heat and stay healthy and safe during the hot, summer
months.
###
|
