Stay Safe in the Sun

Summer is the time for fun in the sun, but overdoing it can be unhealthy, or even deadly! Every year approximately 250 people die from too much sun. Do you know who is most at risk? How to prevent heat related illnesses? When you need to call an ambulance? Here are some facts and practical advice that you need to know.

Several groups of people are more susceptible to heat related illnesses: babies, the elderly, diabetics, people with high blood pressure, and the obese.

Certain medications, both over the counter and prescription, can interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself. People using these medicines have a higher risk for suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They fall generally into these three categories:

Over the counter antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine or chlorphenhydramine

Tricyclic anti-depressants used to treat depression, chronic pain and migraine, such as Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin

Phenothiazines used in the treatment of psychiatric conditions and nausea, such as Thorazine, Mellaril

Heat stroke can be deadly, heat exhaustion is not. Do you know the difference? Here are the symptoms and how to treat them:

Heat stroke is caused by the body’s inability to cool itself down. It is a medical emergency! If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, get medical attention right away!

Symptoms include dry, flushed skin, very little sweat, strong and rapid pulse, increased rate of breathing, and a body temperature 104 degrees or higher. Confusion, staggering, faintness, combativeness, bizarre behavior, headache, fatigue, delirium, euphoria followed by a crash, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONVULSIONS are possible.

Treatment--Call an ambulance right away! Until help arrives, get the victim in a cool place, loosen or remove clothing, wrap the person in wet towels, and put ice packs where blood supply is greatest (neck, under arms and knees, and in the groin area).

Heat exhaustion occurs from excessive sweating

Symptoms include cool, moist, pale skin, headache, nausea, weakness and exhaustion, fast and shallow breathing, dizziness, faintness and confusion.

Treatment-- Loosen or remove clothing, lie down in a cool area with feet slightly elevated, drink a cold but not iced drink ( either a commercial sport drink or slightly salty water ), rest and replace fluids.

Prevention--follow these common sense tips:

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing

Drink water often, BEFORE a thirst develops

Eat lightly salted foods

Be in well ventilated areas

Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when you are in strong, direct sunlight

Avoid alcohol. It raises the body’s temperature and increases fluid loss.

Limit consumption of juices and sodas. Their high sugar content can increase thirst.

By taking a few easy precautions, and using your common sense, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be avoided. And you and your family can enjoy some summer fun!