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Welcome to
the July 2006 edition of
The America's Family
Doctors eNewsletter
As an added value to our friends and families, we
have created this eNewsletter to help us Stay Healthy! Please email us if there are topics of interest to you for future editions.
What
causes heat-related illness?
Heat-related illnesses, such as
"heatstroke" and "sunstroke," occur when your body can't keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat
evaporates. On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your
body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill.
What does the "heat index" mean?
The heat index tells you
how hot it feels outside in the shade. It is not the same as the outside temperature. The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when
relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature. When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value is even higher. A
heat index of 90° or above is dangerous.
How can I prevent heat
illness?
When the heat index is
high, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas when possible. If you must go outside, take these precautions:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting
clothes.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or
using an umbrella. Don't forget the sunscreen!
- Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor
activity. Drink extra water all day. Drink less tea, coffee, cola and alcoholic beverages.
- Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler
times of the day--before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks
and drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking
enough fluids.
- If you have a chronic
medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat and about drinking extra fluids and about your medicines.
What should I do if I
have signs of heat illness?
Go to a shady, cooler
area right away. Remove any excess clothing and begin sponging your body with lukewarm tap water. Slowly sip water or other fluids.
Get medical help right away if you have these warning
signs:
- Hot, dry skin, but not sweaty.
- Confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Shortness of breath or trouble
breathing.
If you or any family member is having a problem
with any of these symptoms, please come in and see us anytime Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m and Saturday-Sunday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. for an office
visit.
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Anitha Dhar, MD
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Connie Crosslin,
FNP |
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Elaine Dauwalder,
FNP |
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Cary Hatcher, FNP
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Angela Kelley,
PA-C |
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For more information
on this and other related health topics, visit FamilyDoctor.org
If this "Staying Healthy" Newsletter is helpful to
you,
click the "send this to a friend" link at the top of this
message to forward to friends & relatives.
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