Text Size

eNEWSLETTERS

It’s Getting Hot Out There!

Well, it is July, and it is HOT! In fact, June 2010 made the record books for the hottest month ever! (examiner.com) According to a U.S. national weather analysis, the world is enduring the hottest year to date, with 1998 coming in a close second place. It is suspected that the hot temperatures are tied to an El Nino weather pattern, which has skyrocketed temperatures worldwide.
Since we are experiencing the hottest year to date, Family Medical Walk-In Clinics feels it is important to compile an up to date list of heat related illnesses for you and your family to lbe aware of and learn more about.
Did you know that a healthy body temperature is maintained by the nervous system? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been found that if one’s body temperature increases, the body will try to control its normal body temperature by transferring heat. Blood flow and sweating can help in the transfer of heat. A heat-related illness occurs when the body can no longer transfer enough heat.

Heat-Related Illnesses

What to be aware of:
Often, heat-related illnesses are caused or made worse by dehydration and fatigue. It is best to refrain from drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages when the temperatures outside are considered “excessive” or “extreme.” Be aware that exercising outdoors, working outdoors and even dressing in multiple layers will increase your risk of becoming over-heated.
According to the CDC, some medicines may increase your chances of overheating as well. Please check with your physician to see if you may be at high risk.

What will make you most at risk?

Age: babies and older adults are found at higher risk (CDC, 2010)
Obesity: People who are overweight have a greater body mass to cool
Summer heat waves: living in a congested city with tall buildings and air pollutants will trap more heat on ground level causing more people to over-heat
Chronic diseases: diabetes, cancer, heart patients, etc.
Traveling to other countries or cities: It takes your body a few days to acclimate to a new climate in order for your body temperature to return to normal. Pay attention especially if the city has higher temperatures and humidity levels than you are use to.

How to Prevent:
Learn how to prevent your risk of heat-related illnesses:
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/heat-related-illnesses-prevention

Did you know?

Home treatments will most likely treat mild heat-related illnesses
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke will need immediate medical attention

Stay cool out there, my friends!
Sources:
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/heat-related-illnesses-topic-overview
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66F4SF20100716
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/#_Heat_Stroke
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/heat-related-illnesses-topic-overview?page=2
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/heat-related-illnesses-prevention
http://www.examiner.com/x-57247-Albuquerque-Science-Examiner~y2010m7d18-June-was-hottest-month-ever-in-recorded-history

Missouri
Arkansas
- Rogers
- Springdale