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For Immediate Release
For More Information/GAPA Speaker´s Bureau
Becca Bauer, O'Neill Communications
becca@oneillcommunications.com
770.578.9765
STAY COOL, STAY HEALTHY
Atlanta, Ga. (July 3, 2008) --- School´s out and summer is in full swing filled with hot days lounging by the pool and running around outdoors, but not everything is fun in the sun–a hot summer day can quickly go from enjoyable to harmful.
Historically, from 1979-2003, more than 8,000 deaths in the United States were attributed to excessive heat exposure, according to the CDC. Annually, there are nearly 400 deaths due to heat stroke. There are preventative measures to combat heat-related illness and deaths, yet each year people still fall victim to extreme heat.
The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) wants you to be aware of the symptoms and potential dangers of excessive heat, but more importantly, they want you to be prepared and teach you preventative measures.
"Summer is a fun time to be outside, but people need to be aware of the damage extreme heat may cause," advises GAPA President Ben Taylor. PA-C, PhD. "Young children, the elderly and those with mental illness or chronic disease are highest at risk for heat stroke, but even young and healthy individuals are not completely protected."
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself to adjust to the heat. Normally the body cools itself by sweating, but in extreme cases, sweating is not sufficient and a person´s body temperature rises too quickly.
People may experience a variety of symptoms, and it is important to be aware of the signs. Heat exhaustion is the first effect of excessive heat and common symptoms include:
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness Nausea
- Confusion
- Clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately get out of the heat, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical attention or the situation could become an emergency.
If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Some common heat stroke symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Seizure or muscle twitching
- Fever above 104°F
- Unconsciousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Red, dry skin (no sweating)
- Death
Below are a few preventative tips the CDC recommends to protect your body against extreme heat.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: Regardless of your activity level, increase your fluid intake. Cool water is the best for hydration, and you should avoid liquids that contain alcohol, large amounts of sugar, and caffeine–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Apply Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun outdoors with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and by applying sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside. Sunburns greatly affect the body´s ability to cool itself, so reapply sunscreen often.
- Plan Outdoor Activities: Limit your sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential danger such as beaches.
- Stay in a Cool Area: It´s important to spend time in a cool place. If you don´t have air–conditioning in your house, go spend time at a public place that provides it.
"You don´t have to spend your summer avoiding the outdoors and heat. Awareness of the simple precautions can help lead you to a happier and healthier summer," recommends Taylor.
It is the mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care as part of a physician-directed PA/physician team in Georgia. To learn more health tips or how Pas make health care more affordable and accessible in Georgia, please visit www.GAPA.net and click on "Patients."
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