With the heat and humidity in the area getting ready to increase, it is important that residents and personnel on post maintain hydration and be conscious of the clothes they wear when exercising.
“The humidity doesn’t help us because usually what helps people regulate their temperature is evaporation,” said Maj. Irma Hartman, DeWitt Army Community Hospital Emergency Department, deputy chief. “When it’s humid that evaporation doesn’t take place so the body stays hot. So, loose and light colored clothing are best because they allow heat to dissipate from your body.”
The Emergency Department at DeWitt Army Community Hospital recommends, for the duration of the summer, that any strenuous outside activity be done before and after the sun’s peak hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Even if you’re at a pool or outside doing yard work, the ideal time to be doing that is before 10 a.m. or the early evening hours,” said Hartman.
There were 20 heat-related issues on post last summer when affected people had to be transported to DeWitt by ambulance. The majority of those cases were Soldiers doing physical training or Marines stationed at Quantico who were training for Officer Candidate School.
Symptoms of heat related issues include leg, arm, and abdominal cramps associated with heat cramps; and heavy sweating, headaches or persistent headaches and light-headedness for heat exhaustion.
Signs of a heat stroke include central nervous system disturbances, such as slurred speech, disorientation or having a fever while not being sick.
Minor symptoms related to heat cramps and exhaustion can be treated by getting the affected person into the shade or another cool area; getting fluids such as water or Gatorade into his or her body; loosening clothing and spraying or wiping him or her down with water.
In an extreme case such as heat stroke, treatment includes removing all clothing, spraying the person with water and cooling him or her with a fan.
“Spraying a person with water and cooling them with a fan causes quick cooling of the body surface, but it also doesn’t cause shivering,” said Col. Timothy Bratton, DeWitt Emergency Department, chief. “A lot of people will dunk their person in an ice bath. But, what happens is your skin, which is the conduit to the outside, suddenly clamps down and wraps all your heat in your core. (Heat) will slowly dissipate and, if you’re in the ice long enough, you’ll definitely drop, but sometimes it isn’t always the right, first thing to do.”
For those folks who are going to be outside during the sun’s peak hours it is also suggested they take a rest period for every hour outside.
“For every degree of Fahrenheit your body temperature increases, your heart rate will go up about 10 beats per minute,” Bratton said. “So, if you’re normal heart rate is 60 beats per minute and your body temperature goes up to 99 degrees, your heart rate will go up to 70.”
Staying away from heavily caffeinated drinks is another important step in keeping hydrated because they cause people to use the bathroom more, which drains the body of water.
“That leads to a certain level of dehydration if they’re not balancing out with their fluid intake,” Hartman said.
She also said it is important to keep in mind that a person’s reaction to hot conditions depends on what that person’s body can handle.
“It’s really individualized,” Hartman said. “Two people may work out the same amount, but one person can tolerate the sun better than the other person. It’s all about how you feel in that moment.
If you’re thirsty, drink some water. And, we’re not talking about go drink half a bottle of water, we’re talking about having a few sips.”
In addition to staying hydrated, she also said applying sunscreen is vital to summer health. Adding that becoming sun burnt can also contribute to heat-related issues.
“At least 30 SPF (sun protection factor) is what is recommended for people who like to go tan,” said Hartman. “Aside from the cancer risks, you are burning your skin and your skin is your biggest organ. So, re-applying sunscreen every hour is what is recommended.”
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