Protecting Yourself from Heat Stroke

Summertime is coming to an end, which means a few more weeks of record temperatures remain. This year, like every year, some individuals have become victims of heat stroke. A few have even died because of it. Heat stroke affects mostly the elderly; however, children have also been known to succumb to it. During the summer season everyone should be conscious of the outside temperature and aware of the potential to become a heat stroke victim. Here is some interesting information about the heat index, what is heat stroke; along with information about its symptoms and treatments, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of the heat.

The Heat Index is a meteorological measuring system to help the weather service determine the actual outside temperature. It can be liken to the winter times wind chill factor, except it is for the heat temperature reading instead of the cold temperature reading. The heat index combines the existing air temperature and the relative humidity to determine the index rating. The higher the humidity the higher the temperature feels to your body. A heat index reading is not necessary in order for you to know it is really hot, your body will let you know that. The heat index reading provides you with a precise indicator you can use as a measurement.

Heat stroke occurs when your body absorbs or produces more heat than it is able to get rid of. Perspiration is a normal bodily function that begins when we start to get too warm. Our body perspires, and the evaporation of the sweat on our skin aids in cooling us down. When the outside temperature is accompanied with high levels of humidity, our body has to work harder because sweat evaporation is hampered. The humidity is an indicator of the amount of moisture in the air. The presence of the increase air moisture makes it more difficult for the body's sweat to evaporate. As a result, your body is not able to cool down as quickly and get rid of some of the heat it has absorbed. If you are involved in some type of physical activity during this period, it is possible your body could begin to dehydrate, which can affect its ability to perspire and cool down. When it becomes too difficult for your body to cool itself down, heat exhaustion may result, especially if there is no external means available to assist it.

If heat exhaustion is not promptly and properly treated it can lead to heat stroke. Signs that you may be suffering from heat exhaustion are your skin may become abnormally warm and red as you begin to sweat profusely. Dehydration may commence and your blood pressure will begin to decrease as your blood vessels start constricting in order to maintain your blood pressure. Next your skin will become cool, clammy and pale. There also may be feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness due to the dehydration and your lower blood pressure. Additional symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion, and even lapses of loss of consciousness and coma.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. The emergency medical service should be contacted immediately. While waiting for them to arrive, it is important to get the suffering individual out of the heat. This could be into a building, a shaded air conditioned vehicle or just out of the direct sun into the shade. Use whatever means you have available to try to cool the person down and hydrate them. Spraying cool water on them and having them drink some cool water or a sports drink, along with loosening tight fitting and constricting clothing should help. If available, place a fan where it can blow cool air onto the individual. Get out of the way and allow the emergency medical professionals to do their job when they arrive.

As the sweltering summer heat continues to sweep across the country, it is important for everyone to consider safeguards so they do not become victims of heat related incidents. Simple forethought can go a long way and significantly reduce the chances of you or a family members becoming stricken with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and keep a bottle with you whenever you are going to be out participating in any physical activity. Take frequent breaks in shaded areas while working outside. Staying inside and avoiding strenuous activity as much as possible. Never leave a child or a pet in a vehicle that is parked in the sun for more than a couple of minutes ...that is a deadly combination.

Summer is our outdoor play time. It can fun and exciting. It is important that you exercise care and not over exert yourself during the outdoor activities part of your outings, in extreme heat. Pay attention close attention to the forecasted heat index. Be aware that a heat index rating above 105 degrees makes heat exhaustion and stroke highly likely. Know the warning signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and take precautions. Have fun, but also be careful and don't overdo it.

Resource: Healthwise Handbook -Kaiser Permanente