What happens when mercury shoots

Heat illnesses

‘WHAT HAPPENS---- WHEN MERCURY SHOOTS!’ Onset of summer brings with it bag full of diseases! Many people fall sick at this time of the year. We Indians are used to odds in life. And we are very tolerant. But still when the weather is very hot and mercury shoots up------- We do react! News- Papers gets filled with news about--- ‘Power cuts and Water shortage.’ Tales about deaths due to heat illnesses nicely occupy the front pages of the leading News- Papers. Politicians keep on assuring the public everyday. They do lip sympathy ------but no effect on the heat. Last, but not the least, there appear numerous Ads about special deals on ‘airconditioners and coolers’ on television and radio every day. But no cooling effect on public! In light of recent heat related deaths in India, it is important to know something about this problem and try to take necessary precautions for safety.

HEAT AFFECTS WHOM AND WHY? Prolonged exposure to hot and humid environment, especially with increased physical activity, can cause heat injury. These injuries occur most commonly at temperatures above 90 degrees and humidity higher than 60%. Eighty percent of heat exposure victims are older than 65 years of age. This is likely due to impaired thermoregulation with advancing age. People who have underlying medical problems like diabetes or heart disease or who are taking some drugs are susceptible to heat injury even without physical activity.

CAN NORMAL PEOPLE BE AFFECTED BY HEAT? Yes! ------Heat injury can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, who are engaged in strenuous physical activity, in hot and humid environment. Athletes (runners and football players), hikers, military personals and people who have occupations that subject them to high direct heat (miners and roofers) are at increased risk. Heat stroke is the second leading cause of deaths in athletes after head and spinal cord injuries. Evaporative heat loss accounts for most of the heat elimination at temperature above body temperature. This mechanism is markedly reduced in high humidity.

TIPS TO BE HEALTHY IN HEAT The Golden Rule is--------Eat, drink and stay cool! Summer is the one time when we must cosciously consume, more of liquid foods. Besides water, an adequate intake of lemon water, juices and plenty of salads is very important. People working in air- conditioned offices must not step out in the heat suddenly. Human body is affected adversely by extreme heat and humidity, particularly if there is associated exertion also. Many people needlessly suffer from heat stress and other heat related illnesses. One must be careful when eating out. Don’t eat at places that are suspect and have poor refrigeratory systems. Maintain your energy level by limiting your intake of fat and sugar, take more of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. With little caution and common sense you can avoid these problems easily.

Drink Up When the atmospheric temperature is very high, leading to excessive sweating, even the Acclimatized individuals need to take extra fluid and salt. A daily intake of up to 15 litters of Cool drinking water and 30gms of sodium chloride (3 flat tea- spoonful of salt) per person may be needed to prevent water and salt depletion. The extra salt can be taken with food. Be sure to drink water even if you are not thirsty; thirst can be a sign of mild dehydration.Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee and soft drinks---both are Diuretics, which remove fluids from the body by increasing urination.

Eat Light Cold meals such as salads are best. Take lightly salted foods. Plenty of yogurts can be taken. Even Lassi and ice cream is very refreshing in hot weather.

Avoid Over Exertion Take frequent breaks during exercise. Outdoor work should be scheduled early in the Morning or late in the evening. When working in the afternoon, stay in shade.

Careful Selection Careful selection should be made, of those required to work under hot atmospheric conditions. General physical fitness, youth, mental stability and acclimatization is important.

Stay Physically Fit A higher degree of physical fitness can increase heat tolerance.

Wear Light Weight, Loose Fitting Clothing Light colors and natural fibers, especially cotton are the best choice. Base ball caps or sun hats can also help, by protecting the eyes from glare and face from direct sunlight. Just Cool Take advantage of fans and air conditioners. Fan will encourage the evaporation of sweat. Like this keep your living place cool.

Watch Your Health Certain drugs can make you more susceptible to heat illness. These include Antidepresants (such as Prozac), gastrointestinal drugs containing atropine and cardiovascular beta-blockers and diuretics. Some medical conditions can worsen the effects of heat stress. These are: --- febrile illnesses, diabetes mellitus and inspidus, Diarrhea, malnutrition and eating disorders.

For Athletes Athletes are advised to drink 8-12 oz. of fluid before exercise, and every 20minutes during exercise. Free access to cold water, which is more efficiently absorbed than warm water is effective and should be available to all players. Scheduled breakes every 20-30 minutes, with helmets off, to get out of the heat, can decrease the heat exposure. Practices and competitions should be scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid hottest part of the day.

WHY HEAT ILLNESS? When a person is exposed to high temperature, if his body is not able to release extra heat and cool itself heat injury occurs. In normal circumstances even when outside temperature is high, internal body temperature is maintained at 98.6 degrees. By circulating blood to the upper layers of the skin, the body, release heat by increasing perspiration and skin temperature. When people exercise in hot weather, body’s ability to cool itself is hampered, by the need of extra blood for muscles. So there remains, less blood available, for circulation to the skin, brain and internal organs. That leads to decreased alertness and decrease physical performance. When body can not release, excess of heat, it then stores it------leading to high core temperature and increased heart rate. When heat stress is too much it can even lead to death.

WHAT ARE THE HEAT ILLNESSES?

When there is heat, sweating and flushed skin are part of the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Still there are signs to watch. So be aware of them:

Heat Rash Also called prickly heat and occurs in areas on the body where sweat has not been allowed to evaporate. A rash develops when sweat glands get plugged. Lesions consist of minute papules surrounded by erythema. These are most numerous on covered parts of body. How to avoid: keep sweating to a minimum, and wear loose and lightweight cloths. Stay in cool place.

Heat Cramps When the body sweats, the muscles loose minerals and salts. So there occurs painful muscle Spasms. Calf and hamstring muscles are most commonly affected. In this condition there is low level of sodium in the body despite drinking lots of water. . How to prevent: Liberal salting of food and ample intake of water. Treatment: Give orally electrolyte solution to drink. And ask the person to rest in cool Environment

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and occasionally fainting. It Is a type of moderate heat injury caused by a large fluid and salt loss? It is brought on by a period of great heat or by an extra effort in hot weather. Treatment: Rest in cool place and drink electrolyte solution.

Heat Stroke It is a medical emergency. There is complete loss of regulation of body temperature. Body temperature climbs to 105 degreess or more. Sweating may subside or stop completely, resulting in hot dry skin. The victim may become disoriented or unconscious. If left untreated Person can even die.

What to do: lay the person down in a cool area. Call 911.Then cool him with wet sponges and fans. Give artificial respiration if needed.

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