HEART RELATED ILLNESS RECOGNIZING AND TREATING

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can be problems for people enjoying outdoor activities in the hot summer months. A heat-related illness occurs when the body is not able to regulate (control) its temperature. If left untreated, a heat illness can lead to serious complications, even death. If detected and treated early, however, most serious problems stemming from heat-related illnesses can be avoided. The body’s main center for heat regulation is the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that secretes substances that control metabolism (the chemical processes occurring in the body). Normal body temperature is balanced through heat production and heat loss. As a person is exposed to high heat and humidity, the body temperature rises. Most of the body’s methods for heat loss depend on the environmental, or outside, temperature being lower than the body’s temperature. When the outside temperature is high, the main source of heat loss is evaporation, when perspiration on the skin changes from liquid to vapor. If humidity if high, however, sweat cannot evaporate easily.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that may occur with strenuous activity. They usually affect the muscles of the abdomen, arms or legs. Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. They also may be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after spending a long time in high temperatures and not drinking enough fluids. Elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment are most at risk for heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is a more severe heat-related illness. It results from the total failure of the body’s heat regulation system. This occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating system fails and the body cannot cool down. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent disability or even death.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect heat stroke, have someone call for immediate medical help while you try to reduce the person’s temperature. Try the following cooling methods are Stop any activity and take the person to a cool place, such as a shaded area or air-conditioned room. Have the person lie down with the feet slightly elevated. Place the person in a cool bath or shower. Spray the person with cool water from a hose, or sponge the person with cool water. Wrap the person in a cool, damp sheet and fan the person vigorously. Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.Give the person something cool and non-alcoholic to drink.

Carefully monitor the temperature and humidity outdoors, and plan your activities accordingly. Try to schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to be sure you are taking in more than you are losing through sweat. Mist yourself with a spray bottle to keep yourself cool. Wear lightweight loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. Light-colored clothing absorbs less heat than dark clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses, and using an umbrella. If participating in sports, be sure to re-hydrate between multiple-session practices or at halftime during games. Illness related is eliminated by Dehydration, Wearing heavy equipment, such as pads and helmets, when practicing sports outdoors, Obesity, Alcohol use, Drug use, Some medications and supplements, Not being acclimated to hot weather, Illness/fever .