Prevention of heat stress starts with education Published July 2, 2013 By Master Sgt. Jacob Romero 17th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staying cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. High temperatures or high humidity combined with strenuous physical activity, exercise or work, increases the chance for a heat-related illness. The information below can help with a cool and safe summer. There are three major forms of heat illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious and can be a life threatening condition. The following are symptoms of heat related disorders: nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, headache, fainting, lack of coordination, mental confusion, abdominal cramps and leg cramps. Severe symptoms such as convulsions or hot, red skin without sweat are indicators of an emergency condition. Some additional information for a safer summer and how to avoid heat illnesses is: 1. Get acclimatized: Acclimatized properly to the environment is key. Daily, routine exposure to hot weather is the only way to become acclimatized. 2. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day: Alter pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times such as early morning or late evening. If workout time change is not an option, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead of running, or decrease your level of exertion. 3. Dress appropriate: Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably light colors. 4. Drink plenty of fluids: Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration. 5. Take precautions with certain medications: Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if taking medications that affect the body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat. 6. Be cautious if you are at increased risk: Avoid the heat if taking medications or have physical conditions that increase the risk of heat-related problems. While it is important to remain hydrated, water intake should not exceed 1 ½ quarts per hour or more than 12 quarts daily. Rapid ingestion of large amounts of water may lead to acute water intoxication, recognized by weakness, convulsions and loss of consciousness caused by dilution of the bloodstream. Outdoor conditions increasing the risk of heat injuries are monitored by the Bioenvironmental Engineering office. This measurement is called the wet bulb/globe temperature, which determines the base flag condition. Becoming familiar with the flag conditions is essential to avoiding any heat related disorders. The flag colors, by increasing severity, are: white, green, Yellow, red, and black. At higher flag conditions, water intake requirements are increased and outside activities may be limited or canceled. Guide cards on work-rest cycles and water intake requirements for all Goodfellow personnel can be obtained by contacting Bioenvironmental Engineering at 325-654-3126.
