Top 10 Summer Health Hazards (part 2)

Heat stroke

Korey Stringer, the Minnesota vikings right tackle died from Heat Htroke in 2001 as a result of the heat wave that hit Minneapolis...



What is Heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a form of abnormally elevated body temperature that can reach to 41 degrees or even more.... unlike less severe forms of elevated body temperature Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not well treated.


Normally, the body generates heat and is able to get rid of it by radiating it through the skin and the evaporation of sweat... However, in extreme hot weather, vigorous exertion under the sun and high humidity the body's temperature rises and the normal mechanisms can no longer sustain the normal range of body temperature...



Who are the most susceptible to getting a Heat stroke?

1. Infants
2. The elderly ( associated with heart or lung or kidney problems )
3. Athletes
4. Outdoor workers
   

How can I know I got Heat stoke?

sometimes a person may get the symptoms of heat exhaustion before those of heat stoke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness

However some people experience Heat Strokes suddenly and without warning...

Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:

• High body temperature


• NO sweating and Dry skin


• Rapid pulse


• Difficulty in breathing


• hallucination


• Disorientation


• Seizures


• Coma

What are the first aid measures i can offer to such a patient?

Heat stroke patients should receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage...

1. Get the victim to a shady area, remove his clothing, apply cold or tap water to his skin, fan him to promote sweating and evaporation, put ice under his arm pits and groin.



2. Call an ambulance, If it's going to take them long to arrive they will instruct you with further procedures

How can I avoid Heat Stroke?

• Most importantly avoid dehydration and intense physical exertion in hot humid weather


• Always drink plenty of fluids if you have to perform physical activity in such conditions


• put on light coloured, lightweight, loose clothing


• Take frequent breaks to rehydrate yourself

Top 10 Summer Health Hazards (part 1)

This will be the first article in a series of 10 articles about the Top 10 Summer Health Hazards you need to avoid...

Skin cancer:
Over one million patient is diagnosed every year by skin cancer. Skin cancer is usually easy to treat provided that it is caught early.
We can further categorize the skin cancer into 2 categories:


1- Melanoma:

It's by far due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, it can also arise on top of a simple naevus and more common in fair coloured skin races.
So, How can i differentiate between a malignant melanoma and a simple naevus??
. A naevus is can be any size ranging from less than 1.5 cm in diameter to over 20 cm. (so, it's not about the size)
. If you find your naevus to be rapidly growing, itching, painful, changing in colour, bleeding or ulcerating consult your doctor immediately.
. Always check your skin for any deep coloured lesions and make your partner check those parts you can't have a good look at.

2- Non-Melanoma:

Either Basal cell carcinoma ( AKA rodent ulcer ) or Squamous cell carcinoma...
some factors as prolonged sun exposure ultraviolet rays or decreased immunity can increase your susceptibility to getting it.
.suspect non-melanomatous skin cancer if you find any painless swelling on your skin or a growing ulcer that is resistant to treatment.

Finally, always wear sunscreens before going out by day and consult your dermatologist if you suspect any skin lesion... remember skin cancer is curable if caught early.

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welcome to Be Your Own Doctor. This site provides some answers for the most important FAQs about health tips...
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