ENJOY YOUR SUMMER
Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Dehydration:
Causes for dehydration include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and occasionally drugs; but heat related dehydration is due to overexposure to the sun and/or extreme temperatures. Each day we lose fluid through excretion, breathing, sweating and tears. We generally replace these fluids by drinking liquids and eating foods that contain water.
When experiencing dehydration symptoms can include:
· Thirst
· Less-frequent urination
· Dry skin
· Fatigue
· Light-headedness
· Muscle cramping
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Dry mouth and mucous membranes
Children may also experience:
· Dry mouth and tongue
· No tears when crying
· No wet diapers for more than 3 hours
· Sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
· High fever
· Listlessness
· Irritability
· Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
If caught early enough, dehydration may be treated at home under a doctor’s guidance. For mild cases, fluids such as sports drinks are appropriate for restoring body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance. More serious cases of dehydration should be treated as medical emergencies and hospitalization may be required.
Precautions:
· Drink plenty of fluids during exposure to the sun and heat
· Intake more fluids then your body loses
· When possible, perform outdoor activities during the cooler part of the day
· Consume sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance
· For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during heat exposure
Heat stroke (sun stroke)
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life threatening. It results from long exposure to extreme sun and heat when a person does not sweat enough to lower their body temperature. The condition can develop quickly and requires medical attention immediately.
Our bodies produce heat, which is generally dissipated through our skin and sweating. However under some circumstances such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activities in the sun/heat our system may not dissipate the heat quickly enough, causing our body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke if a person cannot sweat enough to cool his body.
When experiencing heat stroke symptoms may include:
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Disorientation, agitation or confusion
· Sluggishness or fatigue
· Seizure
· Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
· A high body temperature
· Loss of consciousness
· Rapid heart beat
· Hallucinations
Heat stroke is very serious and can cause permanent damage to internal organs or result in death. If someone is stricken with heat stroke,
· Call for medical assistance
· Move the person inside
· Remove clothing and apply cool water and fanning to simulate sweating
· Apply ice packs to groin and armpits
· Have person lay down in cool area and elevate feet
Precautions: Follow precautions for dehydration:
· Wear hats, sunglasses and use umbrella to protect from sun
· Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
· Take frequent water breaks while outdoors
· Limit exposure to sun on hot or humid days
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