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July 9, 2007 -- With temperatures that reach the upper 90’s
and beyond, staying cool and healthy in the summer heat is critically
important.
Summer fun often means escapes to the great outdoors but during
the hottest part of the summer, or during a heat wave, extra precautions
should be taken to ensure that summertime fun is safe. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more Americans
die of heatstroke (hyperthermia) than from hurricanes, lightning,
tornadoes, floods or earthquakes.
Heatstroke is similar to heat cramps and heat exhaustion and it
is one of the heat-related problems that often results for inadequate
fluid intake on very hot days. What makes heatstroke much more severe
and potentially life-threatening is that the body’s mechanisms
for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control,
are compromised.
Heat illnesses leading to heatstroke can occur at any age but those
at greater risk are the very young, the elderly and people with
chronic health conditions..
The main sign of heatstroke is an elevated body temperature, generally
104 degrees Fahrenheit with changes in mental states ranging from
personality changes to confusion and coma. Other symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Elevated or lowered blood pressure
- Cessation of sweating
- Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
- Fainting, usually the first sign in older adults
“The key to prevention of heatstroke is to stay hydrated
by drinking plenty of fluids as well as being aware of and limiting
long periods outdoors,” says Manjula Thopcherla, M.D., a Kimball
Medical Center physician board certified in geriatrics and internal
medicine. “Those at high risk are encouraged to remain indoors,
wear light clothing, reduce activity and plan outdoor activities
for the cooler parts of the day.”
Air-conditioned homes will cool the body while electric fans while
providing some relief will not lower actual body temperature, according
to Dr. Thopcherla, who notes that taking a cool shower is a more
effective way to cool off.
Kimball Medical Center encourages everyone to become aware of the
signs of heatstroke and to heed precautionary advice.
“Heatstroke is a serious condition that requires immediate
medical attention, therefore, if you suspect heatstroke, move the
person out of the sun and into a shady or preferably air conditioned
space and call 911 for emergency medical assistance,” says
Dr. Thopcherla. “While waiting for medical help to arrive,
cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying
cool water.”
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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