Prepare Your Self

The sun brings happiness. It can brighten up the worst days. Wherever in the world you live, no matter in what civilization or era, no matter what your views on life and health, you would probably find the sun a common feature in people’s thoughts.

Summer heat waves can be dangerous. A beautiful, sunny day can be fun and exciting but if one is not careful it can also bring life threatening illnesses. The heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate internal body temperature. Risk of heat-related illnesses is present when the temperature hits 90°F and above and there is considerable humidity (60 percent and above).

In such environments, risk of heat stroke, cramps and exhaustion is high if physical activities are pursued or exposure to the elements is prolonged. Heat sickness is fast acting and dangerous. In some cases, it can induce coma and even lead to death. Heat cramps are not dangerous but heat strokes can be life threatening. It is fatal 50 percent of the time and requires urgent medical care.

People at risk of heat-related illnesses are the elderly (65 and above) and weak with low levels of fluid in their bodies. Overweight people and those with heart, kidney, lung problems or high blood pressure are also at risk. People on anticholinergics (sweat blocking medicine), beta-blockers (reduces blood circulation to the skin), tranquillizers, antibiotics and birth-control pills are also at risk.

Infants and children under 4, pregnant women (particularly if their fluid/salt levels are low), people under the influence of alcohol, and outdoorsy people who do not take sensible precautions (such as drinking water) to guard against heat illnesses are also at risk. Urban populations are at a higher risk because concrete and asphalt retain and give off heat.

Whether or not you fall into any of the aforementioned categories, good judgment dictates that simple, sensible precautions be exercised to avoid potentially fatal consequences of heat-related illnesses. This article is intended to clue people in as to how best to protect themselves.
The body cools itself by sweating. Under some conditions, sweating is not enough and very high temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. All activity should be undertaken in order to aid the body’s cooling mechanisms.

Heat Cramps:
Forceful and painful muscle contractions in the gastronomies or hamstring areas (back of calves) are a symptom of heat cramps. Most of the time, it will feel as if a muscle has been severely pulled. This is due to the loss and lack of electrolytes in the body, usually lost by way of sweating. Cramping can begin in the arms, legs or abdomen and may be a precursor to heat exhaustion. Though not life threatening, if not treated these can lead to complications.

Treating such cramps is simple. Stop all activity and rest. Exposure to the sun must be avoided and the body placed in a cool environment. Loose clothing is recommended. The person must be sprayed with water and parked near a fan. Muscle areas should be gently massaged to relieve spasms. Cold compresses on the head, neck, armpits and the groin area may be necessary. Medication must not be administered to lower the fever. It is recommended that the patient be given slightly slated water every 15 minutes. Alcohol and caffeine must be avoided.

Heat Exhaustion:
A serious illness, heat exhaustion should be carefully monitored. The exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt through sweat. It occurs when physical exhaustion (from strenuous exercise) together, dehydration and extremities in the weather cause the body to overreact.

The body temperature can rise to over 102°F causing pallor, dizziness, nausea, and profuse sweating. Vomiting and fainting spells can also occur in more severe cases. It is recommended that rest be sought in a cool, shaded environment and lots of fluids be taken. In other cases, fluids may have to be administered intravenously to replace electrolytes. Placing wet towels on the body can provide temporary relief. Since this can lead to heat stroke, medical advice must be sought.

Heat Stroke:
If not diagnosed and treated immediately heat exhaustion can lead to all out heat stroke, also known as sun stroke. This is the worst heat-related malady in which the body becomes overheated in a relatively short span of time. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. It occurs during hot, humid weather when the body cannot dispose of excess heat in the normal way as the brain loses its ability to regulate temperature.

The patient will be hot, flush and warm to the touch. Temperature will be markedly high and there will be little perspiration. A person with heat stroke who has been exercising may still be sweating, but in both cases, the person will have an elevated body temperature, greater than 41°C. Heat stroke can also cause nausea, loss of appetite, muscular twitching, dilated pupils, dry mouth, confusion, headaches, shallow and weak breathing, disorientation, aggression and even unconsciousness.

If the temperature rises above 41°C, things can get complicated. High blood pressure, heart failure, brain swelling, convulsions, kidney or liver failure, coma and even death can occur. Patients must be cooled as quickly as possible. Loose clothing and cold compresses are recommended. Cold compresses must be applied to the head, neck, armpits, groin, wrists, ankles and knees to cool the larger blood vessels.

An effective way to cool the patient is by wrapping him or her in a wet sheet and then fanning these sheets to drop temperatures through evaporation. Comfort levels of the patient must be monitored. In case the patient shivers, the fanning process must be slowed. Do not place the patient directly in front of an air conditioner or some such cooling device because this will cause vessels to contract.

If you fear you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately. Again, do not take medication to lower the fever. It will not be effective and may actually worsen the situation. Do not feed the patient orally (even water) until the condition stabilizes.

(Never give patients stimulants or hot drinks as treatment.)
These self-help measures are no substitute for proper medical attention. Prevention is the best remedy and early warning signs must be heeded.

Save Yourself:
It is possible to avoid suffering the ill effects of heat related disorders by taking a few simple precautions. The easiest way to avoid heat stroke and other related disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquids than your thirst indicates. This is especially true if you are over 65 years of age. Avoid very cold beverages to prevent stomach cramps or drinks containing alcohol, which will cause you to lose more fluid. Drink plenty of salty liquids (at least 3 to 5 litres a day) and fruit juices to replace salt and minerals.

Some people perspire more than others. And these people must gulp down fluids. If physical exertion is impossible to avoid, ensure that you take in more salt than usual with meals. This will help you retain water and ward off dehydration. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your medical professional on what you may drink or eat. Wear light, ventilated and loose clothes that will allow your body to breathe and cool itself naturally.

Tight clothing restricts blood circulation and dark colours absorb sunrays and heat. Woven materials are best to absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sheer clothing or wet clothing does not block UV rays. It is recommended you wear a hat when out in the sun. If you feel hot, remove the hat or any other item covering your head. Headgear prevents heat from escaping. When temperatures hit 90 or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illnesses. A cool shower or bath is the way to go. When going outdoors use sun block lotion.

If you do not have air conditioner in your home, consider spending time in a mall or a public library or any other air-conditioned location. While indoors, use the fan and open windows. Plan outdoor activities for before noon or in the evening. When outdoors, step into the shade every now and then. Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car. Cars with windows closed become trap in heat. Protect your pets by bringing them indoors. All children and infants must also be dressed in loose clothing and shade them with a hat or an umbrella. Do not bundle babies in blankets or heavy clothing. Infants do not have developed sweat glands and they cannot suffer heat as well as adults can. Ensure that all children and infants get an adequate amount of water to drink. Animals must also be given plenty of fresh water and hosed down.

Heavy foods and meals must be avoided because they heat up the body. Carry a bottle of boiled water. Summer is the season of viral and bacterial infections that can spread through water and food resulting in cholera, gastroenteritis, jaundice and typhoid. Avoid drinks from the markets like “fresh-pressed” juices and shun roadside foods. Water from shallow ground wells may also be infected. Roadside drinks must be avoided since they are highly susceptible to contamination. Boiled water and fizzy bottled drinks are the best way to go. Chugging saltwater with lemon is one of the best ways to prevent disease and infection.

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