Heat Stroke is No Joke!

Hot weather poses serious health risks!

With forecasts in the 90s and 100s for much of the country, it is time for a quick reminder about Heat Stroke.

Heat Stroke is No Joke: it is a medical emergency.  If you or someone near you is experiencing Heat Stroke symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Heat Stroke Symptoms:

True heat stoke means your body temperature is 105 or higher, but this is likely not the symptom you will notice first.  Other symptoms include:

• Fainting (often the first symptom noticed)
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

How to treat Heat Stroke:

Call 911! Don’t mess around in getting help right away.  Delaying treatment can be deadly!

While you are waiting for medical help, start cooling the person down

• Get the person to an air-conditioned area, or at least into the shade
•  Remove any unnecessary clothing.
• Wet the skin with a hose, sponge, or spray bottle and fan air over the person.
• Put ice packs in the armpits, groin, neck, and back.
• Put the person in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.

How to avoid Heat Stroke:

• Shade yourself with loose fitting clothes and a wide brimmed hat.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
• Drink lots of fluids.  You should drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. If you are working outside in temperatures above 90, you may want to use a sport drink to replace what your body sweats out.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, both can worsen symptoms of heat stroke.
• Drink even if you aren’t thirsty. 8 ounces every 20 minutes of exposure.
• Be smart – exercise or work in the early morning or after sunset to take advantage of cooler temperatures.

Don’t mess around – Heat Stroke is No Joke!

She is a heart attack survivor and the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs and is a sought-after wellness & stress management speaker.

If you are planning a women’s wellness program, workplace wellness program or programs for healthcare professionals check out EmbraceYourHeart.com to see if Eliz would be a good fit with your organization.