Weather

The weather is a very important aspect to consider when participating in any outdoor activity. Phoenix, Arizona is definitely a very scenic and beautiful city to tour and visit. However, it is usually hot or very hot, which can cause several problems for the youth and elderly alike. The heat is not something to take lightly, due to its fast acting effects that it can have on the body. The average temperature at the end of July into the beginning of August ranges from 103 degrees to 108 degrees. Some specific illnesses to consider are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and on the minimal side a sunburn.

Phoenix ASA and the City of Phoenix would like you to take a few momments to review the following in order to prepare for a fun, exciting and most importantly safe event!

Heat Stroke

"Is a form of hyperthermia (abmnornally elevated body temperature) with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated." (www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm)

Prevention

• drink plenty of water or gatorade
• avoid consuming alcohol, coffee and tea
• take frequent brakes to consume water during activity
• wear hats, light colors and light and loose clothing

Signs and Symptoms

Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But common symptoms and signs of heart stroke include:

• high body temperature
• the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
• rapid pulse
• difficulty breathing
• strange behavior
• hallucinations
• confusion
• agitation
• disorientation
• seizure
• coma

How do you treat a heat stroke victim?

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

Heat Exhaustion

Is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Signs and Symptoms

• heavy sweating
• paleness
• muscle craps
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• fainting

The skin maybe cool and moist. The victim's puls rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If untreated it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if: symtoms are severe or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Cooling measures

• cool, non-alcoholic beverages
• rest
• an air-conditioned environment
• lightweight clothing

Sunburn

Is an inflamation of the skin that is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Prevention

• limit direct sun exposure
• wear protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats
• sunburn can occur even on cloudy days
• wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, and apply frequently

All information provide by www.medicinenet.com

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