lunes, 15 de agosto de 2016

Physicians urge caution to avoid heat-related illnesses | Health.mil

Physicians urge caution to avoid heat-related illnesses | Health.mil

Health.mil



Physicians urge caution to avoid heat-related illnesses

Avoiding heat or having enough time to adjust to temperatures may not always be an option – especially for those in the military community.

Avoiding heat or having enough time to adjust to temperatures may not always be an option – especially for those in the military community. (U.S. Army photo)





THe Military Health System (MHS) is encouraging service members and their families to stay cool and healthy while being active. Physicians are advising people to take necessary steps to prevent an often underestimated health risk: heat-related illness. 
Heat-related illnesses can develop when people are exposed to high temperatures or hot working environments for an extended time. These illnesses range from heat rashes or muscle cramps to heat exhaustion and stroke. 
“Limit your time in the heat,” said Dr. Donald Shell, director of disease prevention, disease management and population health policy and oversight in the Defense Health Agency’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. “Don’t work as hard, pay attention to how you are feeling, take frequent breaks and monitor weather alerts for [high] heat and humidity.” 
Heat stress builds when activity is done repeatedly without allowing time for the body to recover, even over the course of several days. Allowing enough time to adjust to the environment, which can take up to 14 days, is a critical aspect in preventing heat illnesses. 
Avoiding heat or having enough time to adjust to temperatures may not always be an option – especially for those in the military community. However, these health risks can be prevented by taking basic safety precautions. 
Dr. Jeff Leggit, associate professor of family and sports medicine at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, recommends staying hydrated and consuming enough calories and electrolytes to make sure the body isn’t working harder than it needs to in extreme heat. 
“When it’s hot out, you shouldn’t go and do your normal thing,” warned Leggit, who tends to see injuries in people who are not used to exerting themselves in heat. “You should work your way up to it.” 
Heat exhaustion is a condition in which dehydration is the underlying issue. Its symptoms include thirst, heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, clammy skin and fainting. The first step to treating this condition is moving to a cooler location and lying down. Wetting clothes, sipping on water and waiting to return to work until the body has recovered are also recommended, said Shell. 
A heat stroke, the most dangerous form of heat illnesses, can be fatal. A person experiencing this may be unconscious, have a high body temperature, and hot, dry or red skin. When the body reaches this point, it is no longer able to compensate for the heat exposure through sweating. The organs can become affected if a lack of blood flow occurs. 
“The most important thing is to get them out of the hot temperature, get their clothing wet, get them into an ice bath or put cool water on their skin and most definitely call 911,” said Shell. 
Those who are 65 and older, as well as young children, are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses. However, no age is immune, said Shell – even someone who thinks he is well-skilled working in the heat. 
“There are many different things that can occur in the heat,” said Shell. “We want everyone to be active and be outside enjoying the environment as much as possible but planning in advance is critical when it is hot outside.”




Staying hydrated requires more than water, physicians warn

Article
8/3/2016
If the body is dehydrated, its balance of electrolytes, sodium and potassium is thrown off, which can cause muscle soreness, muscle breakdown, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness or even kidney problems. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Marcus Floyd)
MHS is encouraging those working or exercising outdoors this summer to stay ahead of thirst and its consequences by following some helpful tips
Related Topics: Summer Safety | Nutrition | Physical Activity

Exercise and breathing in summer

Article
7/29/2016
Marines of conduct jumping exercises. Exercising outdoors can be uncomfortable and sometimes unhealthy when it’s hot and humid, but there are ways to work out through the weather woes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
Exercising outdoors can be uncomfortable and sometimes unhealthy when it’s hot and humid
Related Topics: Summer Safety | Physical Activity | Human Performance Resource Center

Hydration key to summer fun

Article
7/28/2016
With the current heat wave and temperatures often soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to take the proper precautions when spending time outdoors.
Bodies need to have an adequate amount of water to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes to function properly
Related Topics: Summer Safety

Summer safety: Learn risks of head injuries in baseball

Article
7/25/2016
Helmets are lined up on the grass for a Youth Sports team during their practice in front of W. W. Ashurst Elementary School at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Baseball and softball are popular summer pastimes, but most people don’t connect these two sports with head injuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Antwaun L. Jefferson)
Baseball and softball are popular summer pastimes, but most people don’t connect these two sports with head injuries
Related Topics: Summer Safety

Zika: Protecting Children from Mosquito Bites at Camp

Fact Sheet
7/20/2016
This CDC fact sheet targeted to parents, provides tips to keep their children healthy while at camp.
Related Topics: Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses | Zika Virus | Summer Safety | Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Zika: Protecting Camp Staff and Staffers

Fact Sheet
7/20/2016
This CDC fact sheet targeted to Camp Administrators provides tips to keep staff and campers healthy while at camp.
Related Topics: Zika Virus | Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses | Mosquito-Borne Illnesses | Summer Safety

Army public health promotes free tick-testing program

Article
7/18/2016
Deer Tick
The Army Public Health Center provides a tick identification and testing service for DoD health clinics in the continental United States
Related Topics: Public Health | Summer Safety

Summer safety tip: Protect your head while biking

Article
7/14/2016
Sam Crabtree, tank mechanic, Exercise Support Division, speeds downhill during the Annual Earth Day Mountain Bike Ride April 13, 2016.
Summer is the time to enjoy outdoor activities – whether jet skiing in the ocean on a hot day or navigating rough terrain during a bike ride through mountains
Related Topics: Summer Safety | Traumatic Brain Injury

Summer safety: Heat and fireworks

Article
6/28/2016
Summer Safety DoD graphic
Heat and fireworks safety tips
Related Topics: Summer Safety

Food poisoning prevention made easy

Article
6/27/2016
When it comes to cooking, temperature is the key. The CDC cautions that is important to cook food to the right temperature and that the only way to know for sure is to use a food thermometer. Judging when food is "done" simply by its color or texture is not always accurate and unsafe.
The four things to remember in order to help prevent food poisoning are: cook, clean, chill and separate
Related Topics: Summer Safety

MHS experts offers summer advice from fighting bugs to knowing where to go for medical help

Article
6/23/2016
Warmer weather naturally draws more people to pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean. Keep an eye on each other, especially children. He said despite soaking in water, people can become dehydrated. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria)
Whether it’s keeping bugs away or knowing how to get help, check out these tips to have safer summer vacation travel.
Related Topics: Summer Safety | Mosquito-Borne Illnesses | Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses | Chikungunya | Dengue | Zika Virus

Bike helmet keeps Marine on safe path

Article
6/13/2016
Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Eve Baker always wears her helmet when she rides her bicycle.
Wearing a bicycle helmet when going out for a ride most likely saved the life of one Marine; read more about her and what you should know about getting the proper fit for your bike helmet
Related Topics: Summer Safety

Baby your baby: Summer safety for kids

Article
6/9/2016
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Luna teaches a student at about water safety and how to properly wear his life jacket.
Summer safety should be a top priority for everyone, especially parents with small children
Related Topics: Summer Safety | Children's Health

Practice safe sun

Article
6/7/2016
Wear sunglasses to cover the skin around your eyes and help prevent eye damage. Marine Staff Sgt. Pablo Nieto sweeps a compound during a patrol near Patrol Base Boldak.
Ultraviolet rays and can damage your skin after only 15 minutes of exposure
Related Topics: Human Performance Resource Center | Summer Safety

Skin Cancer: What you need to know

Article
6/1/2016
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Mannino examines a Sailor using a dermatascope and magnifying loops during a skin cancer screening at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California.
Story about skin cancer, various types, and how to recognize it
Related Topics: Health Readiness | Quality and Safety of Health Care | Summer Safety

No hay comentarios:

Publicar un comentario