MEDICAL SURFARI: HEALTH TIPS FOR HOT WEATHER

Heat and humidity describe the summers of Southeast Missouri. Has this combination of weather conditions ever left you feeling tired, headachy, nauseated or faint? If so, you probably have experienced heat exhaustion. Over exposure to heat can produce a range of effects from a simple skin rash to a potentially deadly heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is one step short of a heat stroke or sun stroke and I may occur indoors as well. These are not strokes as in the usual brain attacks involving loss of blood flow to, or bleeding within, the brain. Although, heat or sun strokes may cause brain injury when the body temperature exceeds 105 to 106 degrees.

Summer is a time of outdoor activity. Whether you are playing softball in the park or building that deck that you have long waited for, your activity indoors and outdoors must be balanced with your body's ability to cool itself or you will develop heat exhaustions and ultimately heat stroke.

There are a variety of conditions that limit our body's ability to cool itself. Old age, obesity, illness with fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, medications and alcohol use can impair normal body temperature regulation. Sweating and the evaporation of sweat is a cooling mechanism. High humidity can reduce the rate of sweat evaporation which may effectively reduce our body's natural ability to cool itself.

Each year summer heat waves bring unusually high temperatures that put people at risk for heat related illness or death. However, early recognition of the signs and symptoms of heat prostration and swift treatment can often prevent serious consequences. Symptoms of heat stroke include lethargy, confusion, stupor, agitation, rapid pulse, hot and dry skin and sometimes loss of consciousness. Follow these first-aid steps:

-- Call 911.

-- Get the person out of the sun.

-- Remove clothing and sponge with cold water.

-- Fan person and continue with cold water application until emergency medical assistance arrives or until body temperature is less than 101 degrees.

Don't even wait for the signs of heat exhaustion to appear. Drink water before, during and after physical activity. Don't wait for thirst. Drink 5-8 oz. of water every 20 minutes of heavy physical exertion. For extended activity, drink a sports drinks that replaces electrolytes. If you are traveling or have just moved to the area, let your body get used to the heat and humidity. It takes about 10 days to get acclimated so exercise, work and play are less vigorous. Wear loose, light weight clothing that allows your body to breath. Wear cool shoes made of mesh or canvas that allow your feet to breath. If you are exercising in the heat be sure to use at least a 10-15 minute warm-up and cool down period. Avoid alcoholic beverages since they dehydrate your body. Take frequent breaks from whatever activity you are doing in the heat and most of all, listen to your body.

If you feel ill, light-headed, nauseated, headachy or fatigued get out of the heat and cool down. If your symptoms persist or worsen seek emergency medical assistance.

Heat Illness/Heat Stroke

Prevention Guides for Emergencies and Disasters

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/programs/emergenc/prevent/heat/heat.htm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides this Web site which has valuable information on preventing heat illnesses, handling hot weather emergencies and other heat related problems.

Hot Weather Tips from the Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/news/common/96/hottips.html

This Web site from the American Red Cross provides safety information related to preventing and treating heat-related illnesses.

Safety on the Farm

http://www.saftek.com/worksafe/farm_10.htm

Farmers or other people who work outside could benefit from this Web site which gives safety information on working in a hot environment.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. You may e-mail questions to him at drgibbs@semissourian.com or wirte in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.