By Robert Remler
Fields, a pharmaceutical sales manager, keeps a close eye on the weather
reports during the summer, because he realizes the dangers of heat
exhaustion.
Matt Crimmins has a similar concern. Crimmins, a Malverne resident, is
director of health and safety services for the Nassau Red Cross and spends
much of his time warning people about heat exhaustion. The signs
are varied, he said. A person can feel a combination of being cool or moist with pale or ashen skin, he said. Other symptoms include headache, feeling nauseous, dizzy, weak or just exhausted.
Crimmins recommends that those who do exercise or work outdoors on hot days should make a point of drinking plenty of fluids. "Do not exercise as
long as usual," he said. "Exercise either early in the morning or in the
evening, when the temperature is coolest."
Those who feel compelled to get in their workouts or are forced
to work outside should wear appropriate clothing. "Cotton-based clothing,"
he said. "Shorts and other lightweight materials, preferably bright in
color."
Equally important is knowing signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion,
which can result in a form of mild shock, according to the Red Cross.
During a period of heat exhaustion, blood flow to the skin increases,
causing flow to decrease to the vital organs. When this happens, the Red Cross suggests treating the victim promptly.
"Begin treatment by getting the person out of the heat and into a cooler
place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink, a half-glass every fifteen minutes, and make sure the person drinks slowly."
Those being treated for heat exhaustion should not be given liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
When the weather is hot and humid, there is no set point when heat
exhaustion will strike. "Humidity will affect each person differently,"
Crimmins said. During periods of high humidity, heat exhaustion occurs
because there is less of a chance to cool off the body.
The Red Cross does not keep heat-exhaustion statistics
"because many people who start feeling the effects of heat exhaustion stop
what they're doing and go into a cooler place," said Crimmins.
The elderly and children, however, are most at risk to experience heat
exhaustion, he said. Others who should be cautious during hot and humid days include those who have had a previous heat-related illness and those who have respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Heat exhaustion does not
discriminate between the sexes. The condition affects males and females.
When heat waves strike
The Red Cross recommends ten ways to protect yourself and others
from heat emergencies:
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not
available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect away some of the
sun's energy.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Water and Gatorade-like drinks are the safest liquid to drink during
heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in
protein, which increases metabolic heat.
- Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Notes and lectures
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre hosts its annual
summer blood drive 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, in the St. Anne's Building. Individuals ages 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds, are encouraged to participate. For specific details and to register, call (516) 705-2068. ... Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola will sponsor two free Women's Health Forum lectures in August. The healing powers of Chinese herbs' will be discussed Aug. 8. The benefits of acupuncture will be discussed Aug. 22. Programs begin with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7. Each event will be at the Winthrop Community
Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Blvd. For information and to reserve your space, please call 1-888-53-WOMEN. ... An arthritis support group,
sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Levittown. For more information about this free event, call (631) 427-8272. ... St. Francis Hospital in Manhasset is sponsoring a "Heart of Good Eating" class 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9. The class will introduce the basic principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Fee is $10 per person/$15 for two family members. Registration is required. Call (516) 629-2069. ... North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System hosts its 12th annual celebrity golf classic Aug. 20, to benefit its children's programs. For more information, call (516) 465-2554. ... The fifth annual Make-A-Wish golf outing will be Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the Meadow Brook Golf Club in Jericho. For more information, call (516) 944-6441 or visit Web site www.wish.org/metrony. ... The American Red
Cross in Nassau County seeks donations to help victims of a
house fire in Freeport last month. Those wanting to contribute can call (516) 747-3500. Donations also may be mailed to the American Red Cross in Nassau County, 195 Willis Ave., Mineola, NY 11501. ... Breast Cancer Help, Inc., has set up more than 150 clothing-drop locations throughout Long Island. Proceeds from sales of the clothing go toward fighting the disease. For information about the drop-off site nearest you, call (631) 580-7092. ... The Mental Health Association of Nassau County, Inc., seeks volunteers to be a friend to someone recovering from mental illness. The association provides volunteers with training. For more information, call (516) 489-2322, ext. 121.
