William Penn Life, 1999 (34. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
1999-07-01 / 7. szám
to handle? YOU DON'T NEED a calendar to tell you it's summer. The heat and your body's reactions to it can tell you that. And, it's exactly your body's reactions that you need to monitor to avoid a serious health problem. The folks at the Mayo Clinic remind us that "as temperatures climb, so does your risk of heatrelated illness. Effects can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening heat stroke." Particularly at risk during this time of the year are the elderly, infants and people with chronic illnesses because they are the most vulnerable to heat's effects. At "Health Oasis," its on-line magazine, the Mayo Clinic describes the three most common health problems caused by heat and offers first aid tips on how to treat them: Heat Cramps - Heat Cramps -jMfc- are painful spasms of muscles along with profuse perspiration and occur most often during exercise in high temperatures. The muscles most affected are usually the ones you are using during your exercise or your abdominal muscles. You can usually resolve the symptoms of heat cramps by resting and drinking water mixed with a teaspoon of salt per quart. Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion occurs when your heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high temperatures. The symptoms of heat exhaustion resemble shock and include faintness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, an ashen appearance, cold clammy skin and nausea. If you suspect heat exhaustion, get the person out of the sun and into a cool spot. Lay the person down and elevate his or her feet slightly. Loosen or remove most or all of the person's clothing. Give the person cold (not iced) water to drink, with a teaspoon of salt added per quart. Heat Stroke - The main indication of heat stroke is a fever of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with hot, dry skin. Other signs include rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, either elevated or lowered blood pressure and confusion or unconciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, get the person out of the sun and into a cool spot. Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or spraying with water. Direct air onto the person.with a fan or a newspaper, and monitor the person's temperature with a thermometer. Stop cooling the person when his or her temperature returns to normal. If breathing ceases, start mouth-tomouth resuscitation. Heat stroke is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention. |\yp| | A Disturbing Trend: In a study showing climate changes that may represent a health threat, especially to tire elderly, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported an increasing frequency of extremely hot and humid days nationwide. They analyzed temperature and humidity data recorded at 113 weather stations in the U.S. from 1949 to 1995. It was found that the frequency of extreme heat stress days is increasing across the country by about two days a year per decade. The frequency of multi-day heat waves also increased about 88 percent nationwide during the study period. You can beat the heat When the temperature reaches 90 degrees or above: • Stoy out of the sun - Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, noon to 4:00 p.m. • Limit your activity - Reserve vigorous exercise or activities for early morning or evening. • Dress properly - Wear a largebrimmed hat and light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing that breathes. Don’t go shirtless—a sweaty shirt will keep you cooler than bare skin. • Drink plenty of liquids - Fluids help you sweat, which is your body’s way of cooling off. Drink lots of water, juice or sports drinks. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks that promote fluid loss through urination. • Avoid hot, heavy meals - They increase your metabolism, causing an increase in your body temperature. • Keep it cool - Set your air conditioner between 75 and 80 degrees. If you don’t have an air conditioner, take a cool bath or shower once or twice a day and visit air-conditioned public places. (Source: Mayo Clinic Health Oasis) Health Links As always, the best link for information on health-related matters is your own doctor. For more tips on beating the heat, check with your doctor, or try the following websites: 3 Heat Health Tips Visit the Mayo Clinic on-line at www.mayohealth.org Or, check with the Red Cross at www.redlcross.org. William IVnn Life, July 1999 5
