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the DOCTOR is in Too Hot to Handle: Preventing heat stroke As we enter the dog days of August, keep the dangers of heat stroke in mind. Heat stroke can be fatal in many cases because it happens so quickly — there is not much time to react. Heat exhaustion often occurs when people who are not well adjusted to heat stay in a hot, humid place. At high temperatures, the body cools itself largely through the evaporation of body fluids by sweating. But when it is very humid, this mechanism does not work properly. When this is accompanied by an inadequate replacement of fluids, disturbances in the circulation may result that are similar to a mild form of shock. Without rapid and correct treatment, people may develop a heat stroke – a life-threatening condition. The cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, has stopped working, and the internal temperature (105 degrees F or higher) has risen to the point where brain damage and damage to other internal organs may result. Infants and elderly people are most likely to have this problem. Sweat works really well as long as there is plenty of water in your body — it takes water to manufacture sweat. If you run out of water, sweat stops and your body rapidly overheats. It is actually extremely easy to run out of water, so unless you are RHONDA GUMMA, D.O. JASON GUMMA, D.O. drinking plenty of water, you will dehydrate and stop sweating. Your brain often is not sensitive enough when you need that much water. It has been said that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. So in the hot weather, you have to keep drinking regardless of how thirsty you feel. It has been said that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. So in the hot weather, you have to keep drinking water regardless of how thirsty you feel. What to Look Out For Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: • Pale tone with cool, moist skin • Sweating profusely • Feeling faint or collapsing • Headache, weakness, thirst and nausea • An elevated temperature — usually more than 100 degrees F — and in increased pulse rate Heat stroke signs include: • Becoming unconscious or having a markedly abnormal mental status with dizziness, confusion or delirium • Flushed, hot and dry skin • Possibly slightly elevated blood pressure at the outset, which falls later • Possibly hyperventilating Take Action! If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take immediate action: • Remove the person from the hot environment • Remove excess clothing and transfer to a shady area • Apply ice packs As with all other medical problems, a doctor should be called if you are not sure what is wrong, if you do not know what to do, if the person is not responding, or if their mental status begins to deteriorate. Symptoms of shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain may indicate that the heat exhaustion is accompanied by more serious medical problems. Suspected heat stroke is a true, life-threatening medical emergency that can cause permanent nerve, heart, liver or kidney problems. If suspected, go to the hospital or call an ambulance as soon as possible. Jason D. Gumma, D.O., is an Emergency Medicine Resident through Providence Health System in Garden City. Rhonda A. Gumma, D.O., is a Family Practice Resident through Providence Health System in Southfield. The couple resides in Commerce Township. KEEP YOUR COOL Sometimes being outdoors in the steamy weather is simply unavoidable. Take these steps to protect your health: • Drink more water, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. • Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. • Try to rest often in shady areas. • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen. • If at all possible, stay indoors in air-conditioning. If your home does not have it, go to a shopping mall or public library — even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Other tips include using electric fans, taking a cool shower or bath and wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Never leave anyone – person or animal — in a closed, parked vehicle. S U B S C R I B E ! 12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION: (MICHIGAN) (OUT OF STATE) I wish to subscribe to the Chaldean News for 12 issues Please fill in your name and address below: Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________ State _____ Zip _____________________ Phone ______________________________ E-mail _____________________________ PLEASE MAIL THE FORM, WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO: THE CHALDEAN NEWS ATTN: SUBSCRIPTIONS 26555 EVERGREEN, SUITE 250, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076 PHONE: 248-355-4850 WEB: WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM AUGUST 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 47
