The following column ran in the Tuesday, August 14, 2012 edition of The Westfield (MA) News, a daily newspaper in Western Massachusetts. It may be posted on their website: http://thewestfieldnews.com/
Health Wise
A health and wellness column by Victor Acquista, MD, Director Pathways Integral Health & Wellness, LLC; Author Pathways to Health: An Integral Guidebook
Too Hot for Health
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and/or heat stoke are all dangers especially when the temperature gets above 90 degrees and especially for older adults. It’s best to learn some of the symptoms of these potentially serious conditions and to learn how to prevent them. First, let’s understand how the body cools itself. Many of the body’s normal metabolic processes generate heat—much like an automobile engine or a motor generate heat during operation. To maintain a normal temperature, the blood flow to your body’s core and to the periphery can be adjusted by the tone in your blood vessels. When you see your skin as red and flushed, that’s partly because the small blood vessels (capillaries) are dilated and bringing more blood to the skin. That’s one of the body’s main ways of cooling itself. The evaporation of sweat off the surface of the body is another important way the body prevents overheating. When it is humid outside, there is more moisture in the air and evaporation of sweat may be impaired. Conditions of high heat and humidity can spell danger.
Dehydration
Fluids are distributed throughout your body tissues and organs. Some of these fluids are within the circulation, some are within the cells, and some within the intercellular space. When the body loses too much fluid this describes the condition of dehydration. This can be dangerous for many reasons. Circulation to vital organs can become impaired, waste products can build up within the body, the balance of electrolytes can become altered and these imbalances can be life threatening. In addition to fluid lost though sweat, the body loses fluid through elimination of urine and feces. Diarrhea can quickly result in dehydration. Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, and confusion are common symptoms of dehydration. Your body signals that it needs more fluid by causing you to feel thirsty. Don’t ignore this important body warning signal. Many older adults have impaired thirst mechanisms; as a result they are more at risk to develop dehydration. The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink lots of fluids. Certain fluids such as coffee and alcohol are not advised as these also have a diuretic effect which means they cause increased urination. Water and specially designed electrolyte replacement beverages such as Gatorade are good choices.
Heat Exhaustion
When the body’s core temperature begins to rise and it is not able to cool itself, heat exhaustion may occur. This is even more likely if dehydration is also present. Heavy sweating or sometimes no sweating may occur. Fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea or vomiting may occur. This is potentially very dangerous and it is important to take immediate steps to cool off. If possible move to a cool environment such as a shady area or indoors to an air conditioned space. If a fan is available, stand in front of it. This helps with evaporative cooling. Drink plenty of cool fluids. Remove tight fitting clothing. Pour water over yourself, especially your head as this can quickly help your body get rid of excess heat and cool off. If your symptoms do not begin to improve, you should call 911.
Heat Stroke
When the body temperature goes too high it’s much like a car engine that is overheated and can result in a serious breakdown. This can be fatal. Heat stroke is much like heat exhaustion but more severe. All of the same symptoms previously mentioned may be present. In addition, the skin is usually red, hot, and dry. The person may lose consciousness. Dehydration is usually also present. The same measures as recommended above should be followed—get out of the sun to a cool place, loosen clothing, douse with water, and drink fluids. If you suspect heat stroke, you should call 911 as this represents a serious life threatening emergency.
Use common sense when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting too hot for health. Wear comfortable, lose fitting clothing. Try to stay out of the hot sun such especially during midday and early afternoon. It is usually cooler in the morning and evening. A lightweight broad brimmed hat can also help protect from the sun. Use sun screen. Drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment or use fans and shade to help prevent yourself from getting overheated. Take advantage of cooler places such as indoor shopping malls if you do not have access to a cool home environment. Keep an eye out for symptoms of dehydration or becoming overheated.
More information and details about these important health tips can be found at www.healthinaging.org
Victor Acquista MD is author of "Pathways To Health: An Integral Guidebook" http://pathstohealth.info/
For information on running one of Dr. Acquista’s syndicated columns, contact Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations at mgauerbach@gmail.com
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