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Author:
Doran Roggio

Don’t we just love those long, hot summer days in the sun? Keep in mind, however, that the high temperatures and excessive humidity can pose dangers. One of the dangers to be aware of is that of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs as a result long, extreme exposure to the sun. When a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature core temperature rises quickly and heatstroke occurs.

The first aid tips in this article in no way precludes immediate medical attention. Heatstroke can be extremely damaging to you health. It progresses very quickly and is life threatening. While there are first aid measures that can be taken, heatstroke is a medical emergency. Time is crucial and help should be summoned immediately.

Infants and the elderly are among the group at high risk for heatstroke. Also vulnerable are the obese, alcoholics, persons taking certain medications, or those with cardiovascular disease.

Another group that may be at risk is the summer athlete. As with any prolonged physical activity, summer sports can be potentially dangerous. An excellent source of information on heat stroke and how it relates to summer sports can be found at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute online. At
www.gssiweb.com/reflib/refs/597/SSE86.cfm?pid=96 there is an comprehensive article about prevention and treatment of heatstoke in summer sports.

Some risk factors for heat stroke include dehydration. alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, and medications.
The important thing to remember is that when high temperatures and humidity are present conditions are right for heat stroke. There are some preventive measures you should take if you are going to be in the heat for extensive hours. This is especially necessary if you are planning prolonged physical activity.

Have plenty of water and/or sports drinks on hand to prevent dehydration. Wear clothing that allows you to sweat and will prevent overheating. Heat stroke results from the body’s inability to sweat and keep itself cool. Take breaks and sit in a shaded area to cool down.

Some early warning signs of heatstroke may include a rapid rise in body temperature (104° F or higher), irritability, confusion, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, hot, dry red skin, hallucinations, and rapid heart beat. There may even be be loss of consciousness.

If you suspect someone has heat stroke take action quickly. Have someone call 911 for help. Get the person out of the sun into a shaded or air-conditioned area.

If possible immerse the person in a tub of ice water, or spray them with a garden hose. If nothing else wrap them in cool sheets. Whatever means you have, the objective is to cool them down as quickly as possibly. Monitor them closely. Cool the person until their body temperature drops to 101-102°F.

Move quickly, if not treated, heat stroke can be fatal in with-in the hour. If medical assistance does not arrive after you have cooled them down, call a hospital emergency room for further advice.

In conclusion, when enjoying the intense heat and humidity of summer remember to wear lightweight, breatheable clothing. Keep plenty of water and sports drinks on hand. Schedule heavy physical activity for cooler hours of the day. Acclimate yourself to the sun and heat by spending short times in the sun at first. With these few steps in mind may you all have a wonderful summer whenever it comes to your part of the globe.

About the Author :

Doran Roggio, writer and entrepreneur believes in the power of thought, natural healing, and the god-given right to happiness. It’s your health, know the facts. http://backpain-facts.healing-truths.com http://cancer-facts.healing-truths.com http://natures-way.healing-truths.com


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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Stroke Report... Air Pollution Hikes Stroke Risk Copyright 2005 Daily News Central The type of stroke that results when a blood clot travels to the brain -- called an ischemic stroke -- is more likely to occur on days when the air contains a larger concentration of particulate matter, according to a study published online in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) examined air quality on a total of 37,000 days in nine cities. Risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke was 1 percent higher on days with relatively high levels of air pollution, compared with low-air pollution days, reports lead author Gregory Wellenius, ScD, postdoctoral fellow in cardiology at BIDMC. Third Cause of Death in US "Although these effects sound relatively small," says Wellenius, "given the large number of people exposed to air pollution and the large number of people at risk for stroke ... the actual number of strokes could be significant." Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US, affecting more than 700,000 individuals each year. A "consistent increased risk" for cardiac health problems associated with exposure to ambient air particles was established in earlier research by Wellenius and coauthors Murray Mittleman, MD, DrPH, of BIDMC's Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit and Joel Schwartz, PhD, of HSPH. "Air pollution has been shown to trigger heart attacks and to aggravate the conditions of patients with congestive heart failure," says Mittleman, who is also an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "These new findings, demonstrating that incidence of clot-based strokes also increase, [are] in keeping with our earlier data showing a relationship between air pollution...