Extreme Heat - Protecting You and Your Family in Arizona
Most every region in the United States has been experiencing high or record-breaking heat temperatures this summer. High heat exposure, coupled with high humidity and numerous environmental pollutants can contribute to life-threatening illnesses. In Phoenix, Ariz. alone, over thirty heat related deaths were reported during July and August, with another 4,000 reported nationwide.
Phoenix, AZ, August 31, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Most every region in the United States has been experiencing high or record-breaking heat temperatures this summer. High heat exposure, coupled with high humidity and numerous environmental pollutants can contribute to life-threatening illnesses. In Phoenix, Ariz. alone, over thirty heat related deaths were reported during July and August, with another 4,000 reported nationwide. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Ariz., and its Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. offer good, sound advice to deal with the heat and avoid serious illness during these extreme heat occurrences.
Dr. Chris Spooner, a naturopathic physician with Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, offers the following observations and recommendations for Arizonans during these especially high heat summer and Monsoon seasons. “Heat related illnesses can occur very quickly during hot Arizona summers”, says Dr. Spooner. “The extreme temperatures and low humidity of the desert can cause people to become dehydrated very quickly and the dry heat in Arizona evaporates moisture on the skin very effectively reducing the amount of perspiration.” He adds, “Arizonans should make it second nature to have a water bottle with them during the summer. The use of electrolyte replacement drinks can be very helpful, but be careful of overdoing it. If you choose to use sport drinks, try to alternate one bottle water with every bottle of sports drink. Also consider keeping water by your bed at night and drink first thing in the morning. You can become dehydrated even while sleeping with the hot nights and blowing air conditioners.”
Stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality can also contribute to heat related illness, particularly for those living in densely populated urban areas, where asphalt and concrete structures contribute to heat retention and reduced air flow. Most susceptible to heat illnesses are infants, young children, the elderly, obese people, and those who already have physical or mental illnesses, e.g. heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, etc. In addition, the use of certain prescription drugs (beta-blockers, diuretics, anticholinergics, illegal stimulant drugs) and excessive alcohol consumption can make people more susceptible to heat illnesses. You might want to check with your physician or pharmacist to determine whether any medications you are taking could put you at potential risk in extreme heat conditions.
Symptoms for heat illnesses range from muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion, all endemic of heat exhaustion, to much more serious conditions related to heat stroke. Heat stroke can be extreme and deadly, affecting the central nervous system and multiple organ systems. Symptoms of heat stroke require immediate medical attention and may include the person experiencing a high body temperature, confusion, delirium, inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements, unconsciousness and seizure.
The good news is that with a little common sense and practical techniques, extreme heat related illnesses can be avoided. During the warmer seasons, particularly during episodes of extreme heat, the following guidelines should be followed:
- Drink, drink, drink, water- day and night;
- Avoid excessive outside exercise or activities, or try to limit to early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler;
- Protect your skin and eyes by wearing loose fitting clothing, perhaps a hat, and sunglasses and a good sunscreen (SPF 15+ or UVA/UVB protection);
- Use air conditioning indoors and in your car;
- Close shades or drapes to help keep out heat and cool air in.
Be especially cognizant of the following:
- Do not leave anyone or any pets in any unattended vehicle, open or closed;
- Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic beverages;
- Be a good friend or neighbor and check on any elderly or ill person or persons in your neighborhood or that you know of;
- Avoid strenuous outside work during peak heat times, but if you must be outside take frequent breaks, drink water continuously, and stop and get medical attention if you start to experience any of the heat related illness symptoms mentioned earlier.
If you observe someone suffering from apparent heat induced illness, quickly do the following:
- Call 911 or ask someone to call 911 immediately;
- Try to get the person out of the sun and heat, preferably an indoor, cooled area, but at a minimum a shaded outside area;
- Try to cool the person down using whatever means you can find at the moment, e.g., cool water from a sponge, a wet sheet/cloth, a tub, pool, sink or shower, and continue efforts until help arrives;
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink at this point, wait for emergency medical services assistance;
- If the person begins to vomit or have uncontrollable muscle twitching (possible seizure precursor), do not place any object in their mouth or give them any liquids, try to position and hold them firmly on their side making sure their airway remains open.
We cannot change Mother Nature. Extremes in heat will continue to challenge the health of those in the United States and regions throughout the world. We can do our best to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy by following the aforementioned preventative tips and early treatment guidelines.
About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is an accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, non-toxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative and complementary treatment modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation and pharmacology. For more information, visit www.scnm.edu.
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Dr. Chris Spooner, a naturopathic physician with Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, offers the following observations and recommendations for Arizonans during these especially high heat summer and Monsoon seasons. “Heat related illnesses can occur very quickly during hot Arizona summers”, says Dr. Spooner. “The extreme temperatures and low humidity of the desert can cause people to become dehydrated very quickly and the dry heat in Arizona evaporates moisture on the skin very effectively reducing the amount of perspiration.” He adds, “Arizonans should make it second nature to have a water bottle with them during the summer. The use of electrolyte replacement drinks can be very helpful, but be careful of overdoing it. If you choose to use sport drinks, try to alternate one bottle water with every bottle of sports drink. Also consider keeping water by your bed at night and drink first thing in the morning. You can become dehydrated even while sleeping with the hot nights and blowing air conditioners.”
Stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality can also contribute to heat related illness, particularly for those living in densely populated urban areas, where asphalt and concrete structures contribute to heat retention and reduced air flow. Most susceptible to heat illnesses are infants, young children, the elderly, obese people, and those who already have physical or mental illnesses, e.g. heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, etc. In addition, the use of certain prescription drugs (beta-blockers, diuretics, anticholinergics, illegal stimulant drugs) and excessive alcohol consumption can make people more susceptible to heat illnesses. You might want to check with your physician or pharmacist to determine whether any medications you are taking could put you at potential risk in extreme heat conditions.
Symptoms for heat illnesses range from muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion, all endemic of heat exhaustion, to much more serious conditions related to heat stroke. Heat stroke can be extreme and deadly, affecting the central nervous system and multiple organ systems. Symptoms of heat stroke require immediate medical attention and may include the person experiencing a high body temperature, confusion, delirium, inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements, unconsciousness and seizure.
The good news is that with a little common sense and practical techniques, extreme heat related illnesses can be avoided. During the warmer seasons, particularly during episodes of extreme heat, the following guidelines should be followed:
- Drink, drink, drink, water- day and night;
- Avoid excessive outside exercise or activities, or try to limit to early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler;
- Protect your skin and eyes by wearing loose fitting clothing, perhaps a hat, and sunglasses and a good sunscreen (SPF 15+ or UVA/UVB protection);
- Use air conditioning indoors and in your car;
- Close shades or drapes to help keep out heat and cool air in.
Be especially cognizant of the following:
- Do not leave anyone or any pets in any unattended vehicle, open or closed;
- Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic beverages;
- Be a good friend or neighbor and check on any elderly or ill person or persons in your neighborhood or that you know of;
- Avoid strenuous outside work during peak heat times, but if you must be outside take frequent breaks, drink water continuously, and stop and get medical attention if you start to experience any of the heat related illness symptoms mentioned earlier.
If you observe someone suffering from apparent heat induced illness, quickly do the following:
- Call 911 or ask someone to call 911 immediately;
- Try to get the person out of the sun and heat, preferably an indoor, cooled area, but at a minimum a shaded outside area;
- Try to cool the person down using whatever means you can find at the moment, e.g., cool water from a sponge, a wet sheet/cloth, a tub, pool, sink or shower, and continue efforts until help arrives;
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink at this point, wait for emergency medical services assistance;
- If the person begins to vomit or have uncontrollable muscle twitching (possible seizure precursor), do not place any object in their mouth or give them any liquids, try to position and hold them firmly on their side making sure their airway remains open.
We cannot change Mother Nature. Extremes in heat will continue to challenge the health of those in the United States and regions throughout the world. We can do our best to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy by following the aforementioned preventative tips and early treatment guidelines.
About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is an accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, non-toxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative and complementary treatment modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation and pharmacology. For more information, visit www.scnm.edu.
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Contact
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences
Patricia Bannon
480-858-9100, ext 222
scnm.edu
Patricia Bannon
480-858-9100, ext 222
scnm.edu
Contact