****Mercury Rising****

Just came across some helpful stuff thought it might help somebody.

Heat Stress:

During hot weather the body has to work harder to maintain the normal body temperature.
Hence, even trivial physical work in hot weather is exhausting and may lead to heat stress.
Heat stressed individuals become weaker, less alert, prone to judgmental errors, hence their efficiency reduces.
Subsequently when the body is subjected to more heat than it can cope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke may result.
Heat stroke is often fatal.

Heat Related Illnesses:
1. Transient Heat Fatigue
Symptoms: General feeling of tiredness or fatigue.
First Aid: Fluid replacement and rest.


2. Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Symptoms: Skin becomes red and may itch, feel prickly or hurt.
First Aid: Practice good personal hygiene; keep the skin clean & the pores unclogged, allow skin to dry, wear loose clothing, see doctor if rash persists.

3. Heat Syncope (fainting)
Symptoms: First dizziness, feeling light-headed & nauseous, then the person may faint. Usually occurs in beginning of season.
First Aid: Lay victim in a cool location with feet elevated. If conscious, give fluids.

4. Heat Cramps:
Symptoms: Cramping of either active muscles (arms, legs) or involuntary (usually abdominal) muscles (or both).
First Aid: Replenish electrolytes through drinking of fluids such as Oral Re-hydration Solution (ORS), Sugar Salt Solution, etc. Rest in a cool environment.

5. Heat Exhaustion:
Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, blurred vision, profuse sweating, cold/wet (clammy) grayish skin, unconsciousness, coma and death.
First Aid: Place victim in a face down position in a cool location, if conscious give fluids.

6. Heat Stroke:
Symptoms: Chills, restlessness, irritability, euphoria, red face and skin, disorientation, hot/dry skin (not always), unconsciousness, convulsions and death.
First Aid: Immediate, aggressive cooling of the victim's body using wet cloths, immersion into cold water or ice packs.

Watch out for each other!

A person heading into a heat stroke will no longer realize what's happening to him/her.It is vital that colleagues should be able to recognize what's happening and intervene Without quick attention, the person may die!

How to Prevent Heat Illnesses:

Drink!

Water is the best; juices and/or non-caffeinated drinks like buttermilk are also good (juices contain energy restoring glucose).
Stay away from caffeinated, carbonated, diet drinks and alcohol as they dehydrate you more.

How much to drink:
More than you want just to satisfy your thirst
On a average 1 glass (240 ml) every 20 minutes

Eat Healthy!

Eat a balanced diet to replenish essential elements lost during sweating
Fruits & vegetables contains 90% water

Stay Cool!

Avoid strenuous activity during heat of the day.
Stay indoors as much as possible
Wear light weight light colored clothing.
Use hats, dark glasses, umbrella, etc to shade from sun.

Remember, when it's hot:
Heed your body! Watch for symptoms!
Ensure you're drinking enough!
Adjust your activity level â?? slow down!
Take clothing into account!

â??I hate to hate, but heat makes me hate. Therefore I hate heat, even though, I repeat, I hate to hate.â?
- Ramesh Gandhi