Health & Lifestyle
increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs.
This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim
may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool,
moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nau-
sea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature
will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-
threatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which
produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body
temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may
result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red
and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and
rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—
sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
General Care for Heat Emergencies:
• Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler
place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the
person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water
every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do
not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or
loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels
or sheets. Call the local emergency number if the person refuses
water, vomits or loses consciousness.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is
needed fast. Call your local emergency number. Move the per-
son to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim
in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it.
Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying
down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the vic-
tim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level
of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink
.
Its getting HOT isnt it?
Habtoor Research Centre Safety Tips:
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also
a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continu-
ously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine,
which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless di-
rected to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods,
which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous
activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually
in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available,
stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that
electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly
residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air
conditioning.
KnowWhat These Heat-Related Terms Mean:
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due
to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe,
they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the
heat.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when peo-
ple exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body
fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin
