Heat Stroke

Hot summer months require the awareness that heat can kill. Watch for the following...

Symptoms

• Weakness/dizziness
• Rapid pulse
• Reddish tinge to skin
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• High body temperature

Prevention

• Spend as much time indoors as possible on any hot and humid days
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Take frequent drink breaks during outdoor activities
• Schedule vigorous activities and sports for cooler times of the day

How heat stroke works: When our bodies create extreme internal heat from either external heat, vigorous activity, or a combination of both, we control our internal body heat by sweating. Situations like extreme external heat, especially when combined with high humidity, can interfere with this cooling system and our internal body heat begins to rise. Body temperatures can rise to 106° Fahrenheit. At this point internal mechanisms begin a shutdown and death can occur.

The first symptoms of heat stroke are feeling weak and tired and light-headed. If vomiting or unconsciousness follows, it is time for emergency medical care. On hot days active people, especially children, are not always aware of thirst. Dehydration can set in. Drinking water on a regular basis can ward off both dehydration and heatstroke.

Humidity can be very dangerous because it blocks our ability to sweat. David Janda, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, recommends the following way to judge humidity: if the sum of the air temperature and relative humidity is greater than 160, precautions should be taken; outdoor physical exertion should be minimal. Example: Temperature in 98°, humidity is 78%...sum total is 176: you are in the danger zone. If the two total more than 180, real caution is advised. Outdoor games and practices should be canceled. This is a time to stay out of the heat.