Health library

A bit of research on heat stroke and how to prevent it had gone a long way in settling Jeb's mind. 

By Dara Fields, NP-C, GRH Walk-In Clinic

There once was a man named Jeb who was terrified of heatstroke. He had heard the awful tales of what can happen when one’s body overheats to cause organ damage and even death.

One day with trepidation and firm determination he marched into the library and found credible information on heat stroke and how to prevent it. As he sat on his porch that fine summer day, he opened up his newly found book and began to read. He found that heat stroke occurs when an individual’s body temperature gets too hot. The book further clarified hot weather, exercising, and not drinking enough can create a perfect storm. Furthermore, it stated that those who are in frail health are more susceptible to heating up and can overheat without necessarily exercising.

Finding out the risks for experiencing heat stroke concerned Jeb as he was nearing his 80^th birthday, and he still loved being outside and working in the summer.   What should I do to prevent this heat from causing undue dismay, he asked himself. As he read further, he found that he could stay hydrated with water and sports drinks, exercise only in the mornings and evenings when it was cooler, remove extra clothing, find shade, take cool baths, use cold packs, and also avoid sitting in those hot, hot cars. He was relieved to find that he could avoid an unfortunate heat stroke event by taking precautions and being smart.

He also read that if he came across someone in acute distress on a warm day who was demonstrating confusion or difficulty thinking clearly, seeing or hearing things that are obviously not there, had trouble walking, began seizing, or passing out, he must get help right away. Call 9-1-1 without delay! Jeb figured that he could handle all of that. With a sigh of relief he closed the book and smiled.

A little bit of correct information had gone a long way in settling his mind on how to help himself and others with all this dreadful heat scare. He loosened up his collar and took a swig of his cold, fresh pink lemonade.

References: Mechem, C. C. (2017). Severe Nonexertional Hyperthermia (Classic Heat Stroke) in Adults.

Dara Fields, NP-C, is a provider at the GRH Walk-In Clinic