Weekly Wellness News

May 22, 2006

Feature: Take Care of Yourself During the Summer Heat

Whatever the cause, it's no secret that temperatures around the world are currently on an upward trend. As we approach summer, we must change our habits in order to protect ourselves. Specifically, we need to be concerned with heat-related illness and heatstroke when the temperatures soar.

Many deaths and illnesses each year are attributed to heatstroke. Most severe illness and deaths occur during short periods of extreme heat, as often happen late in the summer. Higher risk-factor groups include the elderly, African-Americans (this may be a socioeconomic issue), and women. However, no-one is immune to the heat.

If you encounter someone with heatstroke or other heat-related illness, you should know what to do. First, get them into the shade. Cool them rapidly, using whatever you can (cold, wet towels on the body work well). Get medical assistance.

Learn more about the heat before you get into trouble this summer.

References:

1. Extreme Heat [cdc.gov]
2. Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Illness and Death Due to Environmental Heat [cdc.gov]
3. Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths -- United States, 1994-1995 [cdc.gov]

Other  news

• Summer is here, and that means the clothes start shortening and the skin gets more (and more powerful) sun. Here are some very conservative sun exposure guidelines [aafp.org] for the summer.
• Summer health isn't just about the sun. Here are some other tips for staying healthy and safe during the summer [mamashealth.com].
• How about debunking some summer health myths [medicinenet.com]?
• From Australia, the government of New South Wales (the state that Sydney is in) has a great, all-around guide of summer safety tips [health.nsw.gov.au]

From the editor

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and summer begins in earnest. The days are getting longer and warmer, and shortly we'll be boating, biking, picnicking, swimming... basically we'll be outside a lot.

It's easy to get so caught up in the fun of summer that you don't even realize you are hurting yourself. Being in the sun for even a short while will impact you, with symptoms such as confusion, headache, dehydration, and reddened skin. The symptoms for most people include one or more of the following: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sensitized skin, and cottonmouth. Notice that none of these symptoms is very strong, so it's common for people to have real problems before they notice the warning signs. Alcohol and heavy meals (steak, for instance) can magnify the effects by dehydrating you more.

Basic sun safety comes down to basic common sense: drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen, stay in the shade when you can, and wear lightweight clothing that breathes easily.

Summer is about fun... play safe so that you can have as much fun as possible next weekend too, not just today! A few simple choices can make the difference!

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff

Copyright 2006, Jeffrey Eliasen. Do not forward or reprint without express permission from the author.