injuries and poisoning
Overview of Heat Disorders
Prevention of Heat Disorders
The following are some ways to prevent heat disorders: Children (and pets too) should never be left in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, such as a hot car, even for a few minutes. During excessively hot weather, the very old and the young should not remain in unventilated residences without air-conditioning. During hot, humid weather, it is best to wear light, loose-fitting clothing made of cloth that breathes, such as cotton. Fluids and salts lost through sweating can usually be replaced by consuming water or lightly salted foods and beverages, such as sports beverages, salted tomato juice, or cool bouillon. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are not a good fluid replacement and may worsen Dehydration . Strenuous exertion in a very hot environment should be avoided. When exertion in a hot environment cannot be avoided, drinking plenty of fluids and frequently cooling the skin by misting or wetting it with cool water can help keep body temperature near normal. To replace adequate amounts of fluids, drinking must continue even after thirst is quenched. Weight loss after exercise or work can be used to monitor dehydration. People who lose 2 to 3% of their body weight should be reminded to drink extra fluids and should be within about 2 pounds (1 kilogram) of starting weight before the next day’s exposure. People who lose at least 4% of their body weight should limit their activity for 1 day. People engaged in outdoor activities who drink large quantities of water without salt may dilute the sodium in the blood (a condition called Hyponatremia (Low Level of Sodium in the Blood) ), which may cause seizures and even death. Consuming salt, even in salty “junk” food, along with the water can alleviate this problem. Other common ways to maintain normal salt levels include salt tablets (which must be dissolved in adequate amounts of water, for example, a single one-gram salt tablet in a liter or quart of water) and commercially available sports drinks containing extra salt. Drinking large amounts of plain water during exertion can dangerously dilute sodium in the bloodstream. Salt tablets should be dissolved in adequate amounts of water. Slowly increasing the level and amount of work done in the heat eventually results in acclimatization, which enables people to work safely at temperatures that were previously dangerous. Progressing from 15 minutes per day of moderate activity (enough to stimulate sweating) during a hot time of day to 90 minutes of vigorous activity over 10 to 14 days is typically adequate. People who are not acclimatized are more likely to suffer from heat cramps or other heat illness during prolonged exertion and may need to increase their sodium and water intake. Ensure adequate ventilation or air-conditioning during heat waves, particularly for people who are very old or very young. Avoid leaving children in automobiles in hot weather, particularly with closed windows. Avoid strenuous exertion in hot environments and poorly ventilated spaces. Avoid inappropriately heavy, insulated clothing. If exertion in heat is unavoidable, wear loose-fitting clothing made from fabrics that breathe, take frequent breaks, use a fan, and drink every few hours regardless of thirst. If 2% or more of body weight is lost during exercise or work, drink extra fluids. If 4% or more of body weight is lost during exercise or work, limit activity for 1 day. If large amounts of water are drunk, consume salts in fluids or food. If prolonged exertion in heat is unavoidable, starting 10 to 14 days before maximum exertion is required, begin with moderate activity done for about 15 minutes a day, slowly increasing the intensity of the activity and the time spent doing it. 