Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion By Laura Schwartz, MSN, FNP-BC, COHNS Summer Safety Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion By Laura Schwartz, MSN, FNP-BC, COHNS

Heat Stroke The body cools itself through perspiration. Heat Stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself and can become life threatening. Heat stroke can affect anyone, however the very young and very old are at greater risk.

How Heat Stroke Occurs Working, playing or exercising without drinking enough fluids is the main cause of heat stroke, especially in hot weather. In dry weather perspiration helps to cool the body quickly. In humid weather the body cools much slower. The body’s core temperature rises to dangerous levels affecting essential body functions and organs.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke Elevated body temperature Strong rapid heartbeat Rapid shallow breathing Low blood pressure Headache, small pupils, nausea, dizziness Confusion, strange behavior, disorientation Irritatbillity, confusion or loss of consciousness. Unable to sweat with red, dry, hot skin.

What to do Call 911 Place in cool area. Immerse victim in cool water Wrap in wet sheets and hand fan or put in front of fan. Apply cold compresses to head, neck and groin.

Prevent Heat Stroke Drink large amounts of water regularly. Wear loose light colored clothes. Relax in the shade. Avoid coffee or alcoholic beverages.

Heat Exhaustion Not life threatening but can lead to heat stroke. Heavy sweating Weak rapid pulse Elevated temperature Cool, pale, clammy skin

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Headache, nausea, fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness Low blood pressure Can be revived from fainting. Dark Urine

What to do Place victim in cool place and lay down Give frequent small sips of liquid every few minutes. Watch for worsening condition. In normal cases there is no need to call 911.

Infants - Caution Treat infants who are overheated differently. Infants who drink a lot of water can actually decrease the salt level in their body enough to cause seizures. A result of water intoxication. The best thing for babies is formula or mother's milk, because they contain essential salt protectors. Johns Hopkins director of Pediatric Emergency Dr. Alan

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-exhaustion Johns Hopkins director of Pediatric Emergency Dr. Alan

Healthy Tips for Men Eat Healthy, 5+ Fruit & Veg’s, animal fat Maintain a Healthy Weight Increase activity, start slow, do something fun Quit smoking Get routine exams and screenings Get appropriate vaccinations Manage Stress – Balance obligations, activity Know your Risk - work, sports, genetic history Protect self-sun screen, seat bealt, wash hands Get enough sleep