As the temperature rises this summer we need to be mindful of the steps to take to avoid heat stress at work and at home.
Many of these steps are pretty obvious, such as wearing proper clothing, drinking plenty of fluids-especially caffeine free fluids and taking breaks to cool down. But did you know that medications, even over the counter medications may affect the body’s ability to deal with heat stress?
Summer heat and sun may potentially put some medication users and alcohol and/or drug abusers at increased risk. If you are taking prescription mediation, you should check with your physician or pharmacist concerning possible interferences with your body’s heat regulating systems.
During hot and humid weather individuals taking antipsychotic medications are at risk of developing excessive body temperature, or hyperthermia, which can be fatal. Individuals with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable (heat and pulmonary disease, diabetes, and alcoholism).
Heat exhaustion is a serious illness caused by too much heat. It is often brought on by overexertion or profuse sweating in a hot, humid, poorly ventilated environment. During prolonged heat waves, the very young and the very old are also often at risk, even if they are not active. Luckily, if heat exhaustion is recognized and treated promptly, the effects can easily be reversed.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion are: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and cold clammy skin.
The two basic steps in treating heat exhaustion are to replenish the body’s lost fluids and to cool the body’s temperature. If a person displays symptoms of heat exhaustion, he or she should immediately: Move into a cool place out of the sun, loosen any tight-fitting clothing and remove any extra layers of clothing, give the person fluids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or sports drinks (Do not offer drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine), Encourage the person to drink about a half glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes, help the person cool off by sponging him or her with cool water, or applying cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets.
In most cases, the person will begin to feel better within 30 minutes. If symptoms do not clear up, or if the person begins to lose consciousness, call for emergency medical assistance.
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include: an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F (39.4°C), orally), red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a LIFE-THREATENING emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim: Get the victim to a shady area, loosen or remove victims clothing, help the person cool off by sponging him or her with cool water, or applying cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets, give them water only if they can talk (Do not give the victim alcohol to drink).
Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F (38.3-38.5°C). If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
You can’t control the weather, but you can take these four steps to reduce your risk of heat related illness:
1. During the spring and early summer months, acclimate your body to the increasing heat by gradually spending more time outdoors.
2. Drink non-alcoholic fluids at regular intervals, whether you feel thirsty or not. When you are in the heat, drinking a half-cup to a cup of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes will help keep you properly hydrated.
3. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day. If you like to run or play sports, schedule your workouts in the early morning hours or after sunset. If you don’t have air conditioning, or can’t get to a place that is air conditioned, stay on the lowest floor and keep the shades drawn and a fan running.
4. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Eat light; frequent small meals are better than a single heavy one.
Although excess heat can certainly cause problems, you can still go outside and enjoy yourself during the summer. Getting outside and getting some physical activity is good for just about everybody — with medical conditions or not.
But if you’re at higher risk of having problems from the heat because of a medical condition, just take some extra precautions. Remember, you need to get out of the heat sooner than the people around you.
Also, remember to check on older relatives or friends who might be at higher risk of heat-related illness because of medical conditions. Make sure that they’re staying cool on hot days.
The fact is any kind of chronic health condition can lower the threshold for developing heat-related illness. You may just need to take a few extra precautions to have a healthy and happy summer.
If you would like more information regarding your medication, go to www.fivecountymha.org and click on “Network of Care”. The Network of Care is a highly interactive, single information place where consumers, community-based organizations and the general public all can go to easily access a wide variety of important information. The resources in this “virtual community” include a fast, comprehensive Service Directory; links to pertinent Web sites; a comprehensive, easy-to-use Library; a political advocacy tool; community message boards; and many other educational features.
For more information, contact Gina DeMent, Public Information Officer at 252.430.3031.