TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER

TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER

Prof.Dr.M.A.Aleem M.D.D.M. (Neuro) Consultant neurologist and Epileptologist (Trained at Institution of Neurology Queen,s Square. London.UK.) ABC Hospital , Trichy - 620018 Former of Vice Principal HOD & Professor of Neurology KAPV Government Medical College & MGM Government Hospital drmaaleem@hotmail.com Cell.94431-59940


What is summer heat – related problem? Too much heat in summer can be harmful to our health. The summer Heat – related illness is the result of our body gaining heat faster than it can cool itself down. Heat – related illnesses can almost always be prevented. Heat – related illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases; it can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke is a life – threatening medical emergency. The effects of heat are made worse if you do not drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

What cause heat – related problem in summer? The healthy human body maintains a temperature of about 37 o C (98.6oF). When our body temperature rises, heat is released through increased sweating and blood flow to the skin. This allows our body to cool and return to its normal temperature. Heat – related illness occurs when our body is unable to properly cool itself in hot outdoor or indoor environment, or during intense. Physical activity. This occurs in extremely hot environments or in cases of overexposure to heat. Being in a hot environment can make our body temperature go up. Examples of hot environments include the inside of a car or a tent on a hot day, the upper floors of a house on a sunny day, a hot tub or sauna, and heat from direct warmth or sunlight in the outdoors.Heat – related illnesses can also occur in certain workplaces where a hot environment may be created by equipment or enclosed spaces, including: bakeries, kitchens laundries, boiler rooms, foundries and smelting operations, mines, and certain manufacturing plants.

What are the symptoms of heat – related problem? There are a variety of mild to severe symptoms linked with heat – related illness, including : Pale,cool,moist skin; heavy sweating ; muscle cramps; rash; swelling, especially hands and feet; fatigue and weakness; dizziness and/or vomiting; fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40oC (104oF) or more; confusion and decreased mental alertness; hallucinations; red,hot,dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke); seizures; and unconsciousness/coma. Hot temperatures can be dangerous especially if you have heart problems and breathing difficulties.

In summer who is at higher risk of heat- related problem? Those at increased risk for heat – related illness include: Infants and children up to 4 years of age who rely on adults to make sure their environments are comfortable and provide them with enough fluids. People 65 years of age or older who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to high temperatures. Healthy individuals who do a lot of physical activity or work in hot environment. Other things that may increase our risk of heat – related illness include: increased body mass; drinking too much alcohol or caffeine; chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, heart failure, emphysema, kidney failure, colitis, mental health issues, and cystic fibrosis; certain medications such as diuretics or water pills, and certain psychiatric medications; previous heat stroke; exercising or find a place to cool down; and not drinking enough water during hot weather.

How can we prevent heat – related problem in summer? There are many ways to reduce the risk of having a heat – related illness. These include: Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52oC (125oF) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34oC (93oF). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at safe temperature.When it is hot and when you are active on a warm day, drink plenty of fluids. Drink extra water even before you fell thirsty. Ask your health care provider about how much water you should drink on hot days if you are on water pills or limiting your fluid intake. To keep cool and avoid mild heat exhaustion on hot days, stay indoors in air – rated area are in air – conditioned buildings or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30oC (86oF), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat – related illness. Remember, sunscreen will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays but not from the heat.Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is the weakest. Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of non – alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade. Avoid sunburn – use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Wear lightweight, light – colored, loose – fitting clothing and a brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade. Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat – related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired.




What are home treatments for mild heat – related problem? When recognized early most mild heat – related illnesses can be treated at home. Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include: moving to a cooler environment; drinking plant of cool, non – alcoholic fluids; resting; taking a cool shower or bath; and wearing lightweight clothing. If your symptoms last longer than 1 hour, change worsen, or because you concern, contact a health care provider. Mild heat exhaustion does not cause changes in mental alertness. Consult a health care provider about changes in mental alertness in someone who has been in the heat, has been exercising, or working in the heat.
Other than direct effects of heat is there and summer related diseases? Yes there are some of the most common diseases in summer, which will affect most common the children srelders.

What Is Sunburn?So much for its egregious spell, sunburn can hinder our daily routines. Sunburn refers to the burn caused to a living tissue such as the skin due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Some of the sympotoms of sub burn include a red or reddish skin, mild dizziness and fatigue. If sun burn is common or is further exposed to the UV rays, it may cause skin cancer. To protect yourself from sunburn, apply a sun screen lotion on the exposed areas of your body 20 minutes before heading out in the sun.

What about Prickly Heat? Prickly heat refers to red rashes that occur due to an excess of humidity and heat. Prickly heat may be caused by clogging of the sweat glands. You can relieve prickly heat by applying cornstarch or prickly heat powder on areas that show signs of prickly heat or in and around places that are likely to sweat more than the rest of the body. If the symptoms persist despite treatment, consult a doctor immediately.

Is it poisoning to Food Poisoning in summer?Owing to excessive heat in summer, the food can spoil quickly. To prevent the risk of food poisoning, put the leftover food inside the refrigerator. Food must be well – cooked to ensure that it doesn’t get spoiled. When purchasing raw vegetables as that is a sign of spoilage. Also, make sure that the food doesn’t smell bad before purchasing.

Is Diarrhea is common in summer?Because food gets spoilt quickly, diarrhea is common in summer. Eating contaminated food and unsafe drinking habitys can lead to dirrhoea. To keep away from diarrhea, make sure that you drink water only after boiling it and wash vegetables thoroughly before and after slicing them.

Is any poisoning out breakfast of viral disease in summer?Summer’s here and with the temperatures soaring, it’s not only the unbearable temperatures that can harm you but a large variety of viral & bacterlal diseases you should be vary of this summer. They are chickenpox, Measles, jaundice, and Mumps.

What is Chicken Pox?Ever wonder where this condition got its name? Well, that’s because the boils resembled you peck marks of a chicken, and the disease was christened ‘chicken pox’. Caused by: The Varicella zoster virus. At the onset of summers, chicken pox manifests as itchy red rash like spots or boils all over the body, usually in children. Spread by air – borne particles, the diseases spreads when an already infected person sneezes or coughs or coughs. Another mode of transmission is if a caregiver touches the blistera or the fluid oozing out of it. Some of the first symptoms are fever, headache and sore throat. After about a day or two a rash like blister appears in a localized part of the body which will later spread to the entire body. The boils or blisters burst after about 2 days and once they crust over, the patient can resume their daily activities. Until then, it is important that the he/ she is kept in completed isolation and given a good amount of rest. It takes about 10 days for the body to recover from the illness. On the bright side, once you suffer from chicken pox you will not contract the disease again due to the natural immunity the first attack confers on you. There is a vaccine available to protect yourself against this virus. Even so some simple precautions like washing your hands thoroughly after Visiting a common or crowded or crowded place and to isolate a person suffering from the disease to prevent its spread can be exercised.

Is it Measles common in summer? Also called rubeola or morbilli, it is a common condition seen in the summers. Caused by: The paramyxo virus, it infects the lining at the back of the throat. It is transmitted the same way as chicken pox. Its initial symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose throat and red eyes. These symptoms later progress to what’s called a measles rash (rashes that look like small red spots), fever, cough, runny nose and tiny white spots within the mouth. The measles rashes usually appear 3-5 days after the initial symptoms and start around the hairline and face in most cases. The MMR vaccine (Measels, Mumps and Rubella) usually given to all children is highly efficient in preventing the disease from occurring.

How Jaundice in common in summer? Also called Hepatitis A, it is a water – borne disease caused mainly by contaminated water supplies and food cooked in unclean places. causes by: Jaundice is spread by the Hepatitis A virus, which affects the liver causing over – production of bile. The initial symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of eyes, light – colored stools, dark – colored urine and itching of the skin. A vaccine is available, but to protect yourself better, you should avoid eating food made in unhygienic places. Drink only filtered or doubled water.

What is Mumps? It Is an extremely contagious viral disease. It is known to occur mainly in children during peak summer. Causes by: The mumps virus, it is transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. One of the most common symptoms is the swelling up of the person’s salivary glands at the base of the neck. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of salivary glands. The MMR vaccine (Measels,Mumps and rubella) can help protect you from contracting the disease. Summer can be a beautiful time to spend with friends and family if you are healthy. All you need is awareness and a few precautions to enjoy the good times.

Is Typhoid occurs in summer?Commonly known as typhoid fever, it is a water borne disease passed on through the oro – feacal route and it is. Caused by: A bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Passed on by the oro – feacal route, the bacterium is commonly found in unsanitary food or water sources.Its common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, weakeness, pain in the abdomen, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash. Once treated a person can still carry the bacteria but not suffer from the diseases. These people are called ‘carriers’ and often are the cause for further spread of the virus. There are two types of vaccines available to protect you against typhoid. One is a vaccine that uses the killed bacteria, and is injected into a person. The second is the attenuated or weakened bacterium that is administered in the form of medicine or a pill.
How Summer affect Children’s health? When the season changes to summer children are most likely to get affected with common summer illnesses like sore throat, cold fever etc. However, if you take right precautions, you can prevent the common summer illnesses in children. Everyone should know more about the common summer illnesses in children and how to prevent them.

Summer means schools being over children stay at home or spend time as they want. This needs lot of attention and attentiveness which is no always possible for working parents. However, if you are aware of the common illnesses in summer season you can take the preventive measures and make your kids enjoy the vacation at the fullest.

If your child is feeling fatigued most of the time in summer, do not painc because it can be due to the summer season. It can also be because your child is suddenly free from the tight rountine of going to school and coping with the studies and home works and so he is feeling lazy and fatigued too. However, there are certain common infections that occur in summer and you should be familiar with them and the causes and symptoms too.

What are all the Common illnesses in children’s in summer?

Here are some of the common summer illnesses which can be observed in children.

Boils The body heat most often erupts in the form of boils on different parts of the body. Take proper and professional advice in this case.

Allergy In addition to sun allergy and heat allergy there are many other types of allergies seen in small children and adults too.

Water Borne Diseases Water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, amoebiosis, diarrhea and many more are commonly seen especially among those who are used to eating outdoors. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environment and so food poisoning and occurrence of diseases due to food infection is more during summer days.

Any Tips for Preventing Summer Illnesses in Children?Avoid giving cut fruits and food items from roadside vendors to your children. Also avoid cooking spicy and fried food items for children. Stick to fresh fruits, green vegetables and fresh fruit juices. Encourage your children to increase intake of water. Make sure that the water is properly purified and free from germs and viruses.Take lot of fluid when traveling or when going outdoors for a long time with kids. Provide food rich in fiber to your kids. Pay attention to their diet and right nutrition.Give lemon juice, coconut water and other natural fluids to your children as they help in hydrating from within. They have lots of nutrition that your child’s body needs at this time.Make your child wear light weighted and loose fitting clothes preferably made of natural fibers. Exercise with your kids early in the morning or late evening to avoid over exhaustion. Since you are aware of the common illnesses during summer season, should take necessary precautions to keep your child healthy and safe. Make sure you take care of sun safety, water safety and avoid insect biting summer season. Pay attention to intake water and nutritious diet in summer. Increase intake of fresh fruits and insist on making your children take minimum two baths daily to stay cool and infection free.