E-mail: pes2001@mail.med.cornell.edu 
 

RISING TEMPERATURES INCREASE RISK OF
HEAT-RELATED INJURIES

New York, NY (March 1999)  --  As the temperature rises, so does the incidence of heat-related injuries.  Most often these problems occur on hazy, hot and humid days.  According to Neal Flomenbaum, M.D., at New York Weill Cornell Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital, heat-related injuries can range from a relatively minor problem such as heat cramps, to a more serious condition such as heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Common heat-related injuries include muscle cramps due to heavy loss of water and salt through perspiration; heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea and weakness; and heat stroke.

Heat stroke occurs when an individual can no longer sweat and their temperature control mechanism stops working, said Dr. Flomenbaum.  At first, it will seem like heat exhaustion, but the patient may begin to experience confusion, seizures and eventually lapse into a coma.

Dr. Flomenbaum suggests the following tips to prevent you and your family from heat stroke:

 *  Treat yourself like a marathon runner on very hot days.  Pace yourself, and wear light, loose clothing.

 *  As soon as you experience muscle cramps, the first sign of a problem,  get in a cool place--out of the sun or in an air-conditioned room.

 *  Drink lots of water or an electrolyte solution, such as Gatorade.

 *  Do not drink alcoholic beverages, including beer.  While they may feel as if they are cooling you off, alcohol can worsen the problem.

 *  If a person is already experiencing more severe signs of exhaustion, it is more important to rapidly cool him down with ice and/or cool water, and get him to a doctor immediately.