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:
- Extreme Heat
- Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Illness and Death Due to Environmental Heat
- Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths — United States, 1994-1995
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 for the summer.
- Summer health isn’t just about the sun. Here are some other tips for staying healthy and safe during the summer.
- How about debunking some summer health myths?
- From Australia, the government of New South Wales (the state that Sydney is in) has a great, all-around guide of summer safety tips
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
