Own Your Own Internet Business! E-Commerce and the Preventative Health Care Industry To capitalize on two of the hottest trends in the world! For more Information click here. NOTABLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." Thomas Edison Your Health Beat the Heat! Heat Exhaustion Prevention and Treatment Humans need about two weeks to acclimate to dramatic changes in temperature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 384 people die from heat every year. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140-190 degrees within 30 minutes on an average day in the Las Vegas sun. The elderly have less effective mechanisms for regulating their body temperature and so are at high risk of developing heat-related disorders. Whether you've planned a mouth-watering, kettle grill-sized cookout with your friends, an intimate family get together in the backyard, or anything in between, there's more to remember on this sizzling holiday than where you stashed the pool's volleyball net. At the top of that "Don't Forget" list should be a reminder to take it easy when the temperature climbs. Too much fun in the sun on a hot summer day can cause heat exhaustion, a serious condition that can be life threatening if left untreated. Heat exhaustion is a result of overexertion or excessive sweating in a hot, humid environment without adequate fluid replacement. Normally, your body cools itself by sweating. Sweat acts like your personal air conditioner -- as it evaporates from your skin, it cools you off and keeps your body temperature normal. But if you overexert yourself on hot and humid days, your body can't produce enough sweat to maintain its normal temperature. And when this happens, your body heat can reach dangerous levels. Without treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition in which your body simply stops sweating altogether and your internal body temperature continues to rise. Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as heat stroke, it's important to recognize its signs and get treatment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Cool, clammy, discolored skin Profuse sweating Dry mouth Dilated pupils Blurred vision Fatigue, weakness Dizziness Confusion Headache Nausea, sometimes vomiting Muscle cramps Weak and rapid pulse Shortness of breath Slurred speech Treatment for heat exhaustion is simply a matter of replenishing lost fluids and cooling the body's temperature. It generally doesn't require a doctor's care, but it is imperative to take action when signs of heat exhaustion are evident. First and foremost, get out of the sun. Move to a cool place indoors or in the shade. Then: Loosen clothing. Use cold compresses on the neck, armpits and groin. Sip fluids. Water or "sports drinks" are best. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, which can hasten dehydration. It's wisest, of course, to avoid getting heat exhaustion in the first place. You don't have to forego your plans for your summer fun in the sun; just play it safe. The following prevention tips can help you and your family stay cool when the temperature rises: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Cover your head! (Wear a hat.) Wear sunblock on exposed skin. (Sunburn impedes the body's ability to dissipate heat.) Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes! Have children rest after 30 minutes of outdoor play. Don't bundle infants in blankets or heavy clothing on a hot day. Their sweat glands are not well-developed and they have a low tolerance for heat. Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day or in direct sunlight. Drink fluids at regular intervals, even if you don't feel thirsty. Stick with water or electrolyte drinks. (When you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which are critical for all bodily functions.) Eat light meals. Frequent, small meals are better than a single heavy one. Remember the signs of heat exhaustion and don't ignore them. © 2001 Magic Eye Marketing & Productions All Rights Reserved