High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet as on June19 the death toll in India was 139(source: Zee news) and 1000+ cases of heat stroke across IndiaWhat Are Heat-Related Illnesses?
Prolonged or intense exposure to hot temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke/ sun stroke. As the body works to cool itself under extreme or prolonged heat, blood rushes to the surface of the skin. As a result, less blood reaches the brain, muscles and other organs. This most often interferes with both physical strength and mental capacity, leading to serious danger in some cases
By reducing excessive exposure to high temperatures and taking other precautionary steps, most heat-related illnesses can be avoided. Those who work in hot or humid environments such as manufacturing plants, bakeries, or construction sites during summer months are most at risk. There are great moving services at Miracle Movers, toronto, Canada. Avoid being at any risk and visit http://davidyorkstaxservice.com/ for impeccable results. However, even long, hot afternoons at the beach can pose problems if warning signs are ignored
What Causes Heat-Related Illnesses?
The reasons that people have heat related illnesses can be broken into two main categories:
• Exercise-associated heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Non-exertional classic heat stroke
• Heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke all occur when your body cannot cool itself adequately
The main factors affecting your body ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:
• High humidity: High humidity increases the risk of heat illness because it interferes with the evaporation of sweat, your body’s way of cooling itself
• Personal factors: Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and those taking prescription drugs such as antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, consumption of cocaine and alcohol all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather
SIGNS, SYMPTOMS & PRECAUTIONS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
With prompt treatment, most people recover completely from heat-related illness. However, these can be deadly if not managed properly
[1] HEAT STROKE
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• High Body temperature(above 103 F)
• Hot, red dry or damp skin
• Fast strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea
• Confusion
• Loosing consciousness
PRECAUTIONS
• Call 108- which is medical emergency number in India
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the person temperature with cool packs or cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink
[2] HEAT EXHAUSTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Fast, Weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness or weakness
• Fainting (passing out)
PRECAUTIONS
• Move to a cooler place
• Loosen your clothes
• Put cool packs over your body and have cool waterbath
• Sip water
Get medical help immediately if:
• You are Vomiting
• Your symptoms get worst
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
[3] HEAT CRAMPS
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Heavy sweating during intense exercise
• Muscle Pain on Spasms
PRECAUTIONS
• Stop physical activity and move to a cooler place
• Drink plenty of water
• Wait for cramps to reduce before you start any physical activity
Get medical help immediately if:
• Cramps last longer than one hour
• You are on a low sodium diet
• You have heart problems
[4] HEAT RASH
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin(usually on the neck, chest, groin or elbow creases)
PRECAUTIONS
• Stay in a cool dry place
• Keep the rash dry
• Use anti-bacterial/anti- fungal heat coolant powders
PREVENTION- FOLLOW THE 3 GOLDEN RULES
[1] Stay Cool
• Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
• Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library to help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat
• Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover
• Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually
• Use: Medicated Coolant powders and creams
• Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures. Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open
• Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body
[2] Stay Hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
• Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink
• Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area;
[3] Stay Informed
• Check for Updates: Check your local news https://www.onestopplumbers.com for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
• Monitor Those at High Risk: Heat-related illness can strike anyone however some people are at greater risk than others:
• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise/span>
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and take precautionary measures when you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness
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Sources:
The American Red Cross, American Academy of Family Physicians