07/01/2013
With the extreme hot weather we are experiencing on the West Coast, and it is only going to get worse over the next few days, here are some important information to make sure you stay cool and hydrated to prevent heat illnesses and injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I have some information below on staying safe and warning signs below. If you do not have air conditioning, please contact your local Red Cross for the nearest cooling station. You may also go to www.militaryonesource.mil for more information on articles, audio clips, webinars etc…. One of the audio clips we offer is “Beat the Heat”; on learning how to prevent heat-related illnesses. Please forward onto our service members and their families. Remember Military OneSource is available 24/7 by calling 800-342-9647 or visiting our website at www.militaryonesource.mil
Health problems caused by extreme heat kill an average of 675 people each year in the United States, more than tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, lightning or any other weather event combined, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People most vulnerable to extreme heat include the elderly, infants and children, the homeless or poor, those with chronic medical conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors.
The CDC offers the following tips for staying safe in extremely hot weather:
· Keep cool. Air conditioning is the best way to protect against heat illness and injury. If your home isn't air-conditioned, go to air-conditioned public facilities such as libraries and shopping malls.
· Stay hydrated. Drink cool nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Drink more water than normal and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Make sure that other family members, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
· Think safety. Never leave infants, children or pets in parked cars. Check on overweight people, who are more prone to heat illness because they tend to retain more body heat. Others at increased risk include people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, and those who take certain types of medications, such as for depression, insomnia or poor circulation. Know the symptoms of heat illnesses and sun overexposure and be prepared to provide first aid treatment.
· Keep informed. Check local news sources for extreme heat warnings or safety tips, or sign up for free weather alerts to your phone or e-mail.
· Be careful when exercising or playing sports. "Take breaks; stay hydrated and move physical activities to the cooler parts of the day if they can't be moved indoors," Linda Degutis, director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said in a CDC news release. "We encourage people to continue sports and recreational activities as much as possible during this heat wave, but take the necessary steps to prevent heat-related illness and injury."
Extreme heat
Be aware of yours and others’ risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and fainting. To avoid heat stress, you should:
· Drink a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes and at least one gallon each day.
· Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They both dehydrate the body.
· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
· Take frequent cool showers or baths.
· If you feel dizzy, weak, or overheated, go to a cool place. Sit or lie down, drink water, and wash your face with cool water. If you don't feel better soon, get medical help quickly.
· Work during cooler hours of the day when possible, or distribute the workload evenly throughout the day.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat illness. It happens when the body can’t control its own temperature and its temperature rises rapidly. Sweating fails and the body cannot cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency care is not given. Warning signs of heat stroke vary but can include:
· red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
· rapid, strong pulse
· throbbing headache
· dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness
· an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
If you suspect someone has heat stroke, follow these instructions:
· Immediately call for medical attention.
· Get the person to a cooler area.
· Cool the person rapidly by immersing him/her cool water or a cool shower, or spraying or sponging him/her with cool water. If the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him/her vigorously.
· Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
· Do not give the person alcohol to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
· If emergency medical personnel do not arrive quickly, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Military OneSource non-medical counseling services are available to provide help with short-term issues to those who are eligible. Check eligibility.
