Summer is Here! Say NO to Heatstroke!!!

It’s official; Summer is here! Are you as excited as I am? Looking forward to the long days of gorgeous skies, beautiful scenery, and the sun shining bright. Most of us will spend much more time outside than we did in the Fall, Winter, and even Spring. That time outside can be a much needed boost to our spirits. Spending more time in the sun can also lead to heatstroke.

According to the American Heart Association, “While heatstroke contains the word stroke and both are potentially life-threatening medical emergencies, stroke and heatstroke are not the same condition.”

A stoke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. The disruption of blood and oxygen to the brain causes brain cells to die. While a heatstroke (sometimes called sunstroke) occurs when core body temperature rises to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit and organs can’t function properly.

Let’s take a quick look at the symptoms and immediate response to stroke and heatstroke.

Symptoms of Stroke:

• Facial Drooping;
• Arm Weakness;
• Speech difficulty; and
• Additional signs of stroke include sudden trouble seeing, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, or weakness on one side of the body.

If someone is showing stroke warning signs, witnesses should call 9-1-1 immediately and let the operator know it may be a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, “Stroke patients who arrive at the hospital by ambulance not only have a greater chance of living through the stroke, but also have a greater chance of preserving independence and having a full recovery.”

If any of these signs are present, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. During CPR and First Aid Training, the American Stroke Association teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. for stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1.

Symptoms of Heatstroke:

• Body temperature of 104 F or greater;
• Lack of sweating. Skin will feel hot and dry, unless heatstroke is cause by exercise;
• Nausea, vomiting or both;
• Flushed/red skin;
• Rapid, shallow breathing;
• Headache;
• Confusion and/or unconsciousness;
• Muscle cramps or weakness; and
• Strong and rapid pulse.

If someone is showing heatstroke warning signs, witnesses should immediately try to cool them down and call 9-1-1.  Get them out of the sun (move to cool or shady area), have them drink a cool, nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine, preferably water, and get cool air on them if possible.

Prevention of Heatstroke:

Here are some ways to prevent illness from the heat:

• Recognize symptoms of heat illness right away;
• Wear light-colored cotton clothing;
• Wear a hat;
• Wear sunscreen;
• Pre-hydrate;
• Drink fluids during activities;
• Be aware that some medications may make you more vulnerable to sun and heat exposure;
• Apply wet towels to your neck, wear a wet headband, or cooling headband; and
• Listen to your body and take breaks as necessary.

We may want to sit in the sun for only 10 more minutes, jog for just 1 more mile, or complete just 1 more work tasks. That extra time may be all the difference in preventing a heat related illness. So, listen to your body and get it fluids, cool it down, and/or give it a break when it is asking for it. Otherwise, it may take that break without your permission! 

Happy summer; Enjoy this beautiful summer heat just remember to be safe!

Safety Sam