heat related illness

•Risk Factors•What to look for•Signs and Symptoms•What should you do??•When should you call help??

WHO IS AT RISK?SOME RISK FACTORS MAY MAKE YOU MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM SKIN CANCER

•Numerous, irregular, or large moles

•Freckles

•Fair Skin

•Blonde, Red or Light Brown Hair

•Age, weight, fitness

•Use of drugs, Alcohol, medications

•Prior heat related Illness.

What do I look for??

It is important to pay attention to yourself. Things like spots on your skin that change in size, shape or color could be good indicators that you are suffering from skin cancer and don’t even know it. These spots often do not hurt until it is too late.However, if they are noticed early, they are almost always curable.

•Pale, wax like, pearly nodules or bumps•Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches of skin•Sores that don’t heal•Small mole-like growths (also known as Melanoma)

Heat Exhaustion is a serious condition that when left untreated, will develop into even more serious, Heat Stroke. Before experiencing Heat Exhaustion, it is common to get heat cramps. These may occur through out the body. This will quickly lead to the trigger for heat exhaustion which is dehydration. Some things to look for to recognize Heat Exhaustion Include:

•Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

•Weakness and moist skin

•Mood changes, irritability or confusion

•Upset stomach or vomiting

Heat Stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Although it has fewer Signs, the symptoms can be much more severe. Heat stroke is your body going into shock due to such high core temperatures. Here’s what you should look for..

•Dry, Hot skin with no sweating

•Mental confusion, losing consciousness, or dizzy.

•Seizures or Convulsions

•The body tries to keep a constant internal temperature

•When internal temperature rises, it attempts to get rid of excess heat by:

--Increasing blood flow to skin surface--Releasing sweat onto skin surface

•Reduced blood flow to brain

•Reduced mental alertness and comprehension

• Reduced blood flow to active muscles

• Fatigue, loss of strength

• Increased Sweating creating slippery situations

• Treat as a medical emergencyIf left untreated, may result in death• 4,000 Americans die each year

• Move victim to cool area• Give small cup of water (if not nauseous)• Loosen and/or remove clothing• Cool with water or massage with ice• Fan vigorously to improve evaporation

Dehydration• Cause:

– Excessive fluid loss

• Signs & symptoms: – Fatigue, weakness – dry mouth

• Treatment: – Fluids and salt replacement

Heat Cramps

• Cause:– Loss of salt

• Signs & Symptoms:– Painful spasms in arms, legs and abdomen– Hot, moist skin

• Treatment:– Drink water, rest, massage cramped areas

Heat Rash• Cause:

– Inflamed skin

• Signs & Symptoms: – Rash w/ pink pimples, itching, tingling

• Treatment: – Cleanse area & dry, apply calamine or other

lotions

Work-related Factors

• Workload– Type of work– Level of physical activity– Time spent working

• Clothing– Weight (heavy v. breathable)– Color (dark v. light) – Personal protective equipment

and clothing

Prevention

• Drink plenty of fluids– Don’t rely on your thirst – 5-7 oz. Every 20 minutes

• Acclimatization: adjust to the heat– The body takes 3-5 days to get used to the

heat– Be careful if returning from vacation or

absence

Prevention (continued)

• Choose proper clothing– Choose light colors and lightest weight

possible – Select proper personal protective

equipment• Take heat into account when

scheduling tasks– Work/rest cycles– Heaviest tasks early morning or dusk

• Eat properly• Sleep and rest