Common illnesses from the summer heat and how to prevent them.

1. Summer
SmartsA primer on common
summer illnesses

2. Though this is a slow start to the summer heat,
everyone is looking forward to the official start of the
Jersey Shore beach season and the unofficial start
of the summer. Summer can be quite enjoyable, but
only as long as we respect the heat and learn to
listen to our bodies.

3. What happens to the body as a
result of exposure to extreme
heat?
People suffer heat-related illness when the body's
temperature control system in overloaded. The body
normally cools itself by sweating, however at times this
isn't enough. Several factors affect the body's ability to
cool itself such as the humidity being high, old age,
youth (0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease,
mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, alcohol and
prescription drug use.
Here is a list of some
medications that increase your
risk
Allergy Medications – Antihistamines (Benadryl)
Cough and Cold Medications (Anticholinergics)
Diuretics, Laxatives
Some Blood Pressure Medications – Beta Blockers
Diet and Stimulant Pills (Adderal)
Psychiatric Medications – Haldol
Seizure Medications
Here is a list of some
medications that increase your
risk
Allergy Medications – Antihistamines (Benadryl)
Cough and Cold Medications (Anticholinergics)
Diuretics, Laxatives
Some Blood Pressure Medications – Beta Blockers
Diet and Stimulant Pills (Adderal)
Psychiatric Medications – Haldol
Seizure Medications

4. What is that nasty
feeling I get after
spending a day in the
sun?

5. That is due to heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related
illness that can develop after several days of
exposure to high temperatures and not enough
fluids. The most prone to this are elderly people,
those with high blood pressure, or those working
or exercising in a hot environment.

6. Symptoms and Ways to Cool Heat Exhaustion
Some symptoms you might experience:

Heavy Sweating, Pallor, Muscle Cramps

Fatigue, Weakness or Dizziness, Headache

Nausea or vomiting, Fainting
Ways to cool the body during heat exhaustion:

Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages

Rest

Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath

Seek an air-conditioning environment

Wear lightweight clothing

If symptoms continue for more than 1 hour or you faint, you need to go to the hospital

7. IS HEAT STROKE REALLY
BAD?

8. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related
illness and occurs when the body is unable to
control its temperature. Your body temperature
may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to
15 minutes of exertion.
Warning Signs Of Heat Stroke:
 High Body Temperature (103 degrees F)
 Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
 Rapid strong pulse
 Headache, Dizziness, Nausea
 Confusion
 Unconsciousness

9. How do you help someone experiencing heat
stroke?

This is a life threatening emergency: Immediately get the victim to a shady
area and call 911.

Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. Some examples
are immersing the person in a tub of cool water, placing the person in a cool
shower, spraying the person with cool water from the garden hose, sponging
the person with cool water, or if humidity is low wrapping the person in a
cool wet sheet and fanning them vigorously. Monitor the temperature and
continue trying this until temperature comes down to 100F.

If emergency medical personnel delayed call the hospital emergency room
and ask them for further instructions

Do not give the person alcohol to drink

10. Have you ever gotten sunburnt?

11. Of course, you have.
We're all familiar with sunburn – essentially a burn
from UV radiation. Sunburn can occur within 30
minutes of exposure to sun. Someone with prior
sun exposure and skin injury is more likely to get
sunburn. So are people on certain medications
such as doxycycline, trimethoprim/
sulfamethoxizole, acne medications, psoriasis
medications, and even St.John's Wort.
Symptoms occur over a period of 24 hours – first
as red skin experienced after 2-6 hours and
blistering and burning pain peaking at 12-24
hours.

12. What is the treatment and when should I go
to the doctor for sunburn?
Treatment for Sunburn:

Cool compress with equal parts milk and water

Burrow solution

Aloe-based lotion

Cool baths without oils or perfumes

Anti-inflammatory medications like motrin but check with your doctor before
starting this
When to go to the doctor:

Severe pain

Severe Blistering

Fever or infection of burned areas

13. WHY DO I GET CRAMPS
AFTER PLAYING
VOLLEYBALL AT THE BEACH?

14. Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms usually in the
abdomen, arms, or legs that may occur in association with
strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous
activity are prone to these and they can also be a symptom of
heat exhaustion.
If you have heart problems or on a low-sodium diet, seek
medical attention for heat cramps.
What to do when experiencing them:
 Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place
 Drink clear juice or sports beverage
 Do not return to the strenuous activity after cramps subside
because further exertion can lead to heat exhaustion or heat
stroke
 Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they don't subside in 1
hour

15. Is that prickly rash common
after spending time in the sun?

16. Heat rash is a skin irritation (red small
bumps) caused by excessive sweating
during hot, humid weather due to blockage
of sweat glands. It can occur to anyone but
is most common in young children. It looks
like a red cluster of pimples or small
blisters and commonly found on the neck,
upper chest, around groin area, under the
breasts and in elbow creases.
Treatment:

Provide a cooler, less humid environment

Keep affected area dry

Use dusting powder to increase comfort

17. Though I like central jersey
urgent care, how can I take care
of myself so I don’t end up there?

18.  Remember to keep cool and use common
sense
 Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and
minerals
 Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen
 Pace yourself, stay cool indoors
 Schedule outdoor activities carefully
 Use a buddy system in the heat
 Monitor those at risk

19. Other Tips

Heat index greater then 90 is dangerous and it's best to stay indoors those
days

Drink 2-4 (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour

When exercising or working in the heat drink fruit juice or sports beverage
to stay hydrated

Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the sun wear a
wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep your head cool

If outdoors apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to
reapply as the lotion states. Your sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and
even if advertised sunscreen is never truly waterproof.

Children younger then 6 months should wear sunscreen that does not
contain PABA.

20. Remember staying
safe in the summer
means respecting the
heat, hydrating
yourself well with the
right fluids, and using
your summer smarts to
keep yourself, your
family and friends, and
your pets safe.