Hyperthermia Conditions in the Home & Outdoors
Who Can Get a Heat Stroke? Tips to Surviving Extreme Hot Weather
Jun 26, 2009
Hyperthermia is a general term that covers a group of heat-related conditions. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are dangerous ailments that require immediate attention. Heat stroke can quickly result in death if untreated. Symptoms of heat stroke should always be treated as an extreme medical emergency.
Who Can Get Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
Anyone can get overheated, but infants, children, the elderly, and those with certain medical conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, and kidney problems) are at high risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Persons who work outdoors for a living are very likely to be familiar with heat cramps and additional warning signs of heat stress. Others who may be at risk for hyperthermia:
- Persons living in homes without air conditioning. Residents of any age and even those in good health can suffer heat stroke from prolonged exposure to extreme summer temperatures.
- People that overdress. Elderly persons sometimes overdress, especially when leaving the home. New parents are often guilty of overdressing an infant; plus, parents may wrap the baby in a blanket before going outdoors. Theme park characters dressed in heavy or confining costumes are prone to overheating.
- Athletes of all kinds. This includes lunch hour walkers, school athletic teams, joggers, bicyclists, golfers, tennis players, and anyone else that gets out during the hot hours of the day to catch some exercise or practice with a team. A number of student deaths from hyperthermia are reported annually throughout the U.S.
- School bands, drill teams, cheerleading squads. These students often practice outdoors during summer months to “condition” new members.
- Daycare clients, camp program participants, and kids that attend summer school. Children don’t realize the dangers of becoming overheated. Many program staff members know very little about first aid; untrained teen counselors and volunteers may not know what to do when someone becomes the victim of heat exhaustion.
- People without adequate transportation. Persons who must walk to work when the weather is extremely hot are at risk for heat exhaustion. Walking to grocery shop or do errands puts one in danger of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- People with certain disabilities. Persons with spinal cord injury are very susceptible to extreme temperatures because the body retains heat below the level of injury. Anyone who has problems regulating body temperature, whether the cause is physical or caused by a prescription medication, is at risk for heat related problems. Persons mentally disabled may not understand the dangers of hyperthermia.
- Tourists. Visitors to southern states who are not acclimated to high humidity and extreme temperatures can easily become overheated. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke often occur when tourists try to cram too much outdoor fun into one day.
- Persons who become dehydrated. People who don't drink enough water may not be able to sweat sufficiently to cool the body fast enough.
Tips to Surviving Extreme Hot Weather Conditions
Hot weather takes a toll on the body whether a person is indoors with no air conditioning or outside in the heat. Observe official warnings during periods of extreme heat and keep these tips in mind:
- Drink water to stay hydrated. Soft drinks and sports drinks are not a substitute for water. Don't drink alcohol.
- Stay indoors where it's cool. Go to a library, mall, or other cool public place to seek shelter if necessary.
- Limit salt and salty foods.
- Eat light meals.
- Wear protective lightweight clothing.
- Limit outdoor activities. Avoid working and playing during the hot hours of the day.
- Keep the inside of the home clutter-free to aid cool air circulation and use ceiling fans.
- Check on the elderly and people with disabilities. If you're the one at risk, then have someone trustworthy make regular checks on you.
- Do errands in the evening when it's cooler, such as grocery shopping.
- Maintain the car to avoid getting stranded, especially for long-distance trips.
Anyone can become overheated, but outdoor jobs, certain medical conditions, age, and other activities put certain people at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stay healthy in hot weather: follow the tips to prevent hyperthermia and avoid situations that can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
