HeadsUp Newsletter - Vol 3.08: August 2006

The scorching summer sun is working its “hottest” this summer and it is vital to take preventative measures so that you and your family do not face heat related illnesses or dehydration. Did you know that an average of 318 Americans die every year from heat related problems?  The sad fact is that many of these deaths could have been prevented if the sufferers understood the facts about dehydration more clearly.

Please share our facts with all of your friends and family because dehydration is 100% preventable!

As such, we present to you our not-so fun facts about dehydration:

• Unfortunately, outdoor activities in the summer often place people at serious risk of dehydration which can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in severe cases, death.
• Millions of Americans are at risk for heat-related illnesses; however, the risk is significantly increased for 4 groups of the population: children, outdoor workers, athletes, and elderly people.
• At least 20 people died from heat exhaustion and dehydration in the city of Phoenix this summer and most of them were homeless.
• The best time to consume fluids is before you are thirsty because by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as both contain substances that will cause dehydration.
>
• In 2006, at least 1,200 cattle died as a result of the heat in Nebraska.
• In order to prevent heat stroke and related problems, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the opening of special public air-conditioned "cooling centers."
• Since children have a larger surface area in relation to body mass, they often gain heat faster than adults when the outside air temperature is higher than their body temperature.
• Water helps deter dehydration; however sports drinks help to replace some of the electrolytes you lose through sweat and provide carbohydrate energy to working muscles.
• Wear light colored, loose fitting clothes so that your body does not absorb a great amount of heat.
• An active person can become dehydrated in just 15 minutes – so try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
• Avoid carbonated beverages because the carbonation may cause bloating or a feeling of fullness and prevent adequate consumption of fluids.
• An average person should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and up to 15 glasses if in the sun.

For more information about preventing heat related illnesses, please log on to: The University of Wisconsin HealthLink or Health A to Z: Your Family Health Site