On August 3, 2009, I wrote about sunscreens – safe or not. While there are many that are unsafe, you still need to use them when in the sun and to protect yourself from sunburn and future potential skin cancers.
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, and both damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, sagging, and other effects of aging. They also encourage the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.
DON'T LIKE THE FEEL OF MINERAL SUNSCREENS?
Many people don't like to use these zinc and titanium based sunscreens because they can be hard to use and they often leave a ghost-like residue. Others just want to avoid using these products. If you are among these people, see a list of the top non-mineral sunscreens. For children above six months of age and for safe sunscreens - see this list.
SPF stands for sun protection factor.
There are some problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, can be expected to stay effective for more than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone, but does not tell you about what UVA damage you may be getting. Damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.
Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen. Even those who work indoors are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. UVA is not blocked by most windows. Children under six months of age should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.
To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz – about a shot glass full. Studies have found that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than the required amount on the container. During a long day at the beach, one person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here's how to be sun aware:
Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. That provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL on products that meet these criteria.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 am. and 4 pm. Another guide to remember is “if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade”.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which will increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't rely on the sun. Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product; however, continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is treatable when caught early.
Self-tanning lotions and sprays are a safe alternative to tanning. They contain dihydroxyacetone which interacts with proteins in the skin to produce an orange/tan color that does not wash off. However, the color of self-tanners only has an SPF of 4. This is not enough protection; therefore, sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 must be used and reapplied every two hours.
Everyone needs sunscreen. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognize six skin categories:
Skin Type Sun History
I Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun-sensitive skin
II Usually burns easily, tans minimally, very sun-sensitive skin
III Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, sun-sensitive skin
IV Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, minimally sun-sensitive skin
V Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin
VI Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be used year-round.
Added 5/12/10 The following article is worth reading about the five common sunscreen mistakes or maybe should be titled "read the instructions ......".
May 8, 2010
April 28, 2010
Types of people you will meet on Diabetes Forums
This topic is just for fun and done to lighten the mood before going back to more serious matters about diabetes.
There are many different types of people on forums and discussion boards. You may not need to know them, but you need to recognize that they exist and you will encounter them if you participate in a forum or discussion board. Moderators (or those chosen by the administrator or forum owner to keep the forum on the straight and narrow) are not included.
Type 1. The first responder – No, not the people who come with the emergency rescue vehicles. They are people that have to always be the first to respond to any new post. They will not say much to make sure they are first. I consider what they say as spam, no content and done just to raise their post count. They will lurk on a forum to ensure they are the first to answer. Some forums ban these people or delete their useless posts. I sincerely wish that post count was not a part of any forum.
Type 2. The self-promoter - For lack of any other term, this person is a self-promoter. Wants people to think that they know everything and should be the one consulted. Always has something to promote, a product, a survey, or just his own knowledge. When put to the test, they will not respond. These people are also known as hijackers because they will do this anywhere and to anyone.
Type 3. The preacher – This person will use any excuse to change the discussion to his favorite topic and then proceed to pronounce his judgment for all to read. The preacher and the expert are sometimes lumped together, but should not be as the preacher always has a ready and lengthy response for any argument. They can be like the expert when talking down to people.
Type 4. The expert – These people talk down to the rest of the posters. Also known as the smugly superior, they often have some excellent suggestions and points that are on target, but they are hard to follow. If you offer something that is not their position, you will be corrected back to their position. They will use quotes and cite references in a long essay to prove their points. They seldom use an original thought of their own. Often these people are the purveyors of low carb way of eating and/or supplements that have little known or questionable benefits. Although low carb is a popular and useful topic, the preacher and the expert diminish the value with their long winded arguments. On the topic of low carb, the preacher is the worse of the two in his pronouncements.
Type 5. The antagonizer - The can’t let it go person will pick a point to make a stand on and anyone who dares disagree, will probably be flamed on, called out, or just downright disrespected. They sometimes seem to agree with everyone until they are ready to make their stand. These people are difficult to avoid and they tend to drive the good people from the forum.
Type 6. The moderator – This self-appointed person sits on a forum and if anyone happens to open a topic that was covered anytime in the past, you will be sure to hear about it with appropriate link and comment about doing your research. If you dare stray off in a topic, they will be right there to remind you what the topic is about and if you are new to the forum, you can count on being properly chastised and put in your place.
Type 7. The peacekeeper - Another long-standing character common to forums is the peacekeeper. This person has been a regular at a particular site as long as the proprietor, but his goal as a participant has somehow devolved from saying something interesting to keeping the peace--and he has no problem peppering every thread with his efforts to intervene.
Though the peacekeeper's intentions are good, his actions end up clogging the forum with pages of useless and often long-winded discussions of propriety that are every bit as annoying as the attacks themselves. Worse, unlike the antagonizer's antics, the Peacekeeper's contributions can be virtually impossible to silence, even if you are the site's administrator. After all, how do you tactfully tell someone to stop pacifying?
Type 8. The smarty-pants (know-it-all’s) - If the peacekeeper is on a search-and-destroy mission against offensive content, the Smarty Pants' goal is to find and expose inaccuracies--no matter how insignificant--solely as a means to demonstrate intellectual superiority. A Smarty-Pants constantly runs a fine-toothed comb through both a site's posts in search of nits to pick, factual errors, grammatical errors, typos--it does not matter. The instant he finds one, pounces on the offending poster, telling all about the error and how not to make them. Some of these hair-splitters will spend their days doing the spadework necessary to prove a minor mistake in someone else's words. The most obnoxious--and yet most grimly satisfying--kind of smarty-pants, though, is the one who bases his corrections on his own "infallible" knowledge base.
Type 9. The drama queen/king – This person is maybe known as the too much information person as they lay out the situation in extreme detail with as much drama as they can. They expect everyone too agree with enthusiasm and can’t handle any disagreement. Look out when the moderator, the peacekeeper, and the smarty-pants come to this person’s defense. This combination can divide a good forum.
Type 10. The troll – conspiracy theorist or alarmist. They exist on every forum. Always post about something that is troubling and sees it as his duty to awaken everyone to a problem and draw their sympathy. Their favorite comeback if challenged is how can you allow this to go on, can you not accept progress, or the facts are on my side.
Type 11. Signature hound – This person has to detail every reading, one reading per single line and goes for the maximum – never heard of tables or condensing. A real pain for readers to scroll past his page of signature items to get to the next post. Fortunately, some forums have clamped down on these people, either by limitation of characters allowed or by editing out.
Type 12. The one time poster – These people are the problem of many forums and diabetes forums are no exception. They think they want to participate, but when they actually post, they never return. Or, when they do not get the answer or sympathy they were expecting, never post again. And most forums keep them as members to keep the member count inflated for advertising purposes.
Type 13. The needy – The people that have posted that are crying out for help. They do not always know how to express themselves, but the sincere cry for help is there. That they are often ignored is sometimes the shame of some forums.
Type 14. The contributor – These people are for real. Normally they are on target and offer valuable advice and positive contributions to real problems. On most diabetes forums, these are the valuable participants. Sometimes they are actually under appreciated.
They are often under attack by the preacher, the expert, the antagonizer, and the smarty-pants. They are often defended by the moderator and the peacekeeper.
Type 15. The advertiser – The pain of every forum. Most forums do an excellent job of removing them shortly after posting. They do not read the rules and if they even care, they will ignore the rules as their only mission is to advertise a product and make sales. Generally, they will come back and do more posting until their site address is banned or until the forum puts an approval in place for each first post or first few posts.
Yes, there are other terms for some of the types above. There are also some types that have been left out on purpose as I do not wish to acknowledge these persons. Some forums are excellent in minimizing the efforts of the worst offenders.
There are times when it is enjoyable watching some of these types at work and other times when they grate on our nerves.
Other types: The below types can be part of any of the above types except types 11, 12, 13, and 15.
Too little information person.
Copy-cat
Satirist
Humorist
Poet
Comic
The last four can make for interesting discussions and sometimes be beneficial members.
If you have types you would like mentioned, let me know.
There are many different types of people on forums and discussion boards. You may not need to know them, but you need to recognize that they exist and you will encounter them if you participate in a forum or discussion board. Moderators (or those chosen by the administrator or forum owner to keep the forum on the straight and narrow) are not included.
Type 1. The first responder – No, not the people who come with the emergency rescue vehicles. They are people that have to always be the first to respond to any new post. They will not say much to make sure they are first. I consider what they say as spam, no content and done just to raise their post count. They will lurk on a forum to ensure they are the first to answer. Some forums ban these people or delete their useless posts. I sincerely wish that post count was not a part of any forum.
Type 2. The self-promoter - For lack of any other term, this person is a self-promoter. Wants people to think that they know everything and should be the one consulted. Always has something to promote, a product, a survey, or just his own knowledge. When put to the test, they will not respond. These people are also known as hijackers because they will do this anywhere and to anyone.
Type 3. The preacher – This person will use any excuse to change the discussion to his favorite topic and then proceed to pronounce his judgment for all to read. The preacher and the expert are sometimes lumped together, but should not be as the preacher always has a ready and lengthy response for any argument. They can be like the expert when talking down to people.
Type 4. The expert – These people talk down to the rest of the posters. Also known as the smugly superior, they often have some excellent suggestions and points that are on target, but they are hard to follow. If you offer something that is not their position, you will be corrected back to their position. They will use quotes and cite references in a long essay to prove their points. They seldom use an original thought of their own. Often these people are the purveyors of low carb way of eating and/or supplements that have little known or questionable benefits. Although low carb is a popular and useful topic, the preacher and the expert diminish the value with their long winded arguments. On the topic of low carb, the preacher is the worse of the two in his pronouncements.
Type 5. The antagonizer - The can’t let it go person will pick a point to make a stand on and anyone who dares disagree, will probably be flamed on, called out, or just downright disrespected. They sometimes seem to agree with everyone until they are ready to make their stand. These people are difficult to avoid and they tend to drive the good people from the forum.
Type 6. The moderator – This self-appointed person sits on a forum and if anyone happens to open a topic that was covered anytime in the past, you will be sure to hear about it with appropriate link and comment about doing your research. If you dare stray off in a topic, they will be right there to remind you what the topic is about and if you are new to the forum, you can count on being properly chastised and put in your place.
Type 7. The peacekeeper - Another long-standing character common to forums is the peacekeeper. This person has been a regular at a particular site as long as the proprietor, but his goal as a participant has somehow devolved from saying something interesting to keeping the peace--and he has no problem peppering every thread with his efforts to intervene.
Though the peacekeeper's intentions are good, his actions end up clogging the forum with pages of useless and often long-winded discussions of propriety that are every bit as annoying as the attacks themselves. Worse, unlike the antagonizer's antics, the Peacekeeper's contributions can be virtually impossible to silence, even if you are the site's administrator. After all, how do you tactfully tell someone to stop pacifying?
Type 8. The smarty-pants (know-it-all’s) - If the peacekeeper is on a search-and-destroy mission against offensive content, the Smarty Pants' goal is to find and expose inaccuracies--no matter how insignificant--solely as a means to demonstrate intellectual superiority. A Smarty-Pants constantly runs a fine-toothed comb through both a site's posts in search of nits to pick, factual errors, grammatical errors, typos--it does not matter. The instant he finds one, pounces on the offending poster, telling all about the error and how not to make them. Some of these hair-splitters will spend their days doing the spadework necessary to prove a minor mistake in someone else's words. The most obnoxious--and yet most grimly satisfying--kind of smarty-pants, though, is the one who bases his corrections on his own "infallible" knowledge base.
Type 9. The drama queen/king – This person is maybe known as the too much information person as they lay out the situation in extreme detail with as much drama as they can. They expect everyone too agree with enthusiasm and can’t handle any disagreement. Look out when the moderator, the peacekeeper, and the smarty-pants come to this person’s defense. This combination can divide a good forum.
Type 10. The troll – conspiracy theorist or alarmist. They exist on every forum. Always post about something that is troubling and sees it as his duty to awaken everyone to a problem and draw their sympathy. Their favorite comeback if challenged is how can you allow this to go on, can you not accept progress, or the facts are on my side.
Type 11. Signature hound – This person has to detail every reading, one reading per single line and goes for the maximum – never heard of tables or condensing. A real pain for readers to scroll past his page of signature items to get to the next post. Fortunately, some forums have clamped down on these people, either by limitation of characters allowed or by editing out.
Type 12. The one time poster – These people are the problem of many forums and diabetes forums are no exception. They think they want to participate, but when they actually post, they never return. Or, when they do not get the answer or sympathy they were expecting, never post again. And most forums keep them as members to keep the member count inflated for advertising purposes.
Type 13. The needy – The people that have posted that are crying out for help. They do not always know how to express themselves, but the sincere cry for help is there. That they are often ignored is sometimes the shame of some forums.
Type 14. The contributor – These people are for real. Normally they are on target and offer valuable advice and positive contributions to real problems. On most diabetes forums, these are the valuable participants. Sometimes they are actually under appreciated.
They are often under attack by the preacher, the expert, the antagonizer, and the smarty-pants. They are often defended by the moderator and the peacekeeper.
Type 15. The advertiser – The pain of every forum. Most forums do an excellent job of removing them shortly after posting. They do not read the rules and if they even care, they will ignore the rules as their only mission is to advertise a product and make sales. Generally, they will come back and do more posting until their site address is banned or until the forum puts an approval in place for each first post or first few posts.
Yes, there are other terms for some of the types above. There are also some types that have been left out on purpose as I do not wish to acknowledge these persons. Some forums are excellent in minimizing the efforts of the worst offenders.
There are times when it is enjoyable watching some of these types at work and other times when they grate on our nerves.
Other types: The below types can be part of any of the above types except types 11, 12, 13, and 15.
Too little information person.
Copy-cat
Satirist
Humorist
Poet
Comic
The last four can make for interesting discussions and sometimes be beneficial members.
If you have types you would like mentioned, let me know.
April 26, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 6
Part 6 - Prevention
How can heat stroke be prevented?
Drink plenty of fluids. Keeping the body well-hydrated is the easiest and most reliable way to prevent heat-related illness. Under normal conditions, you should consume at least enough water per day, depending on your body structure and weight, to stay hydrated. During strenuous activity, it is essential to replenish fluid at least every 20 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks; these act as diuretics and dehydrate the body
Avoid exposure to excessive heat. Stay in shaded, cool, or air-conditioned areas whenever possible. In addition, schedule your activities to avoid being outside during the hottest times of the day (from 10am to 6pm). When you must be outside, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears.
Avoid strenuous activity in warm and humid climates. If you want to exercise outside, do so during the early morning, which is the coolest part of the day.
The body normally generates heat because of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher.
Be prepared to call 911 if the need arises.
Some of the places or links to find more information include:
There are more sites and references that can be found with the search engine. This will get your started. Above all, enjoy your summer and take the necessary precautions if you are a person with diabetes. If you don't have diabetes, take precautions to prevent heat/sun stroke.
Review Heatstroke/Sunstroke - parts 1 through 6 to say healthy. If necessary, call 911, (if in the USA) to get emergency help.
There are more sites and references that can be found with the search engine. This will get your started. Above all, enjoy your summer and take the necessary precautions if you are a person with diabetes. If you don't have diabetes, take precautions to prevent heat/sun stroke.
Review Heatstroke/Sunstroke - parts 1 through 6 to say healthy. If necessary, call 911, (if in the USA) to get emergency help.
April 23, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 5
Part 5 - Treatment
Urgent Care
If someone shows the signs of sunstroke, seek medical treatment or call 911 immediately. Before medical treatment arrives, move the individual to a cool area. Look for any medical alert notices – bracelet or necklace or even ankle bracelet. Provide cool drinks, preferably a cool (not cold) drink containing both a little sugar and salt. Remove any constricting clothing. If the person has diabetes, do not give liquids containing sugar unless meter readings can be taken to verify blood glucose readings.
Treatment strategies depend on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment for sunstroke begins immediately upon diagnosis by a medical doctor. In mild cases, the body can be effectively cooled by taking the patient to a shaded or air-conditioned area, removing most clothing and applying cool water or ice packs to the skin. Drinking iced fluids also helps return the body temperature to a safe level. In severe cases, treatment involves rapid cooling, either by immersing the body in an ice water bath or by evaporative cooling. In the latter procedure, large circulating fans blow cool air across wet skin.
Self Care
Take steps to prevent heatstroke and sunstroke. Drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, and avoid strenuous activity during hot weather. In addition, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages to keep yourself from becoming dehydrated.
If you start to experience the symptoms of heatstroke, move to a cool, shady area and drink something cool, preferably a beverage containing both sugar and salt. Warning – be careful giving sugar to a person with diabetes.
Prognosis
Recovery from sunstroke depends on the speed and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment. When treatment for sunstroke is administered promptly, the patient can expect a full recovery in one or two days. In severe cases, when body temperature climbs to 106°F (41.1°C), sunstroke can cause shock. After prolonged exposure to such high body temperatures, brain damage can occur. Death occurs in about 20% of heatstroke cases according to one study. The likelihood of dying from heatstroke increases with a longer duration of heat exposure.
Follow-up
After a full recovery from heatstroke, little follow-up care is needed. Recovered patients may want to rest and stay in cool areas for several days. Patients should also adopt aggressive prevention strategies to keep sunstroke from recurring.
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, and 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°F (38.3-38.8°C).
- Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.
April 21, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 4
Part 4 - Diagnosis
Sunstroke is typically diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone. To get the best measure of your body's core temperature, your doctor may use a rectal thermometer. Your doctor may also take your blood pressure and ask for a blood or urine sample.
Your doctor may perform tests to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to those of sunstroke. Irregular heartbeats, a heart attack, a fever-causing infection, fluid loss related to medications, or cocaine intoxication can mimic sunstroke by causing elevated blood pressure and body temperature.
Risk Factors for Sunstroke:
Very old or very young age
Low level of physical activity
Obesity
Smoking, drug, and alcohol use
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Diseases of the skin, kidney, or liver
Decreased ability to sweat, such as in scleroderma and cystic fibrosis
Medications that can aggravate sunstroke, including water pills (diuretics), allergy pills (antihistamines), tranquilizers, anticholinergics, and amphetamines
Heavy, restrictive clothing
Poor ventilation or lack of air conditioning in home
High humidity
This is why it is so important to get someone suspected of having heatstroke or sunstroke to a doctor or emergency room as quickly as possible. Using the 911 call is the fastest and best way and the reason this is repeated through out this discussion. Other items are repeated as well to emphasize their importance.
Sunstroke is typically diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone. To get the best measure of your body's core temperature, your doctor may use a rectal thermometer. Your doctor may also take your blood pressure and ask for a blood or urine sample.
Your doctor may perform tests to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to those of sunstroke. Irregular heartbeats, a heart attack, a fever-causing infection, fluid loss related to medications, or cocaine intoxication can mimic sunstroke by causing elevated blood pressure and body temperature.
Risk Factors for Sunstroke:
Very old or very young age
Low level of physical activity
Obesity
Smoking, drug, and alcohol use
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Diseases of the skin, kidney, or liver
Decreased ability to sweat, such as in scleroderma and cystic fibrosis
Medications that can aggravate sunstroke, including water pills (diuretics), allergy pills (antihistamines), tranquilizers, anticholinergics, and amphetamines
Heavy, restrictive clothing
Poor ventilation or lack of air conditioning in home
High humidity
This is why it is so important to get someone suspected of having heatstroke or sunstroke to a doctor or emergency room as quickly as possible. Using the 911 call is the fastest and best way and the reason this is repeated through out this discussion. Other items are repeated as well to emphasize their importance.
April 18, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 3
Part 3 - Symptoms
Symptoms of sunstroke/heatstroke can occur suddenly. Once your body loses its ability to regulate heat, body temperature can rise quickly. Symptoms of sunstroke include sudden headache, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Because your body's thermostat is malfunctioning, you will only sweat a little bit or not at all. The skin is hot and dry. Body temperature can rise to 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. In severe cases, repeated vomiting and coma can occur.
Risk Factors
Young children and the elderly are at an increased risk for heatstroke and sunstroke. Young children who rely on others to modify their environments, for example, to remove extra blankets or heavy clothing, may be sensitive to rising temperatures. Elderly adults are less sensitive to changes in temperature, so their thermostats work less efficiently. People with excess body fat are also more likely to retain heat.
Conditions or medications that cause dehydration can increase your risk for sunstroke Skin disorders such as scleroderma can interfere with your ability to sweat. Dehydrating medications; for example, the diuretics furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiaszide (Esidrix) make less water available in the body for sweat, thereby crippling your body's cooling system.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.
However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. However, common symptoms and signs of heat/sun 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, and coma. In the more severe cases, heatstroke can even cause organ dysfunction, brain damage, and death.
Symptoms of sunstroke/heatstroke can occur suddenly. Once your body loses its ability to regulate heat, body temperature can rise quickly. Symptoms of sunstroke include sudden headache, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Because your body's thermostat is malfunctioning, you will only sweat a little bit or not at all. The skin is hot and dry. Body temperature can rise to 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. In severe cases, repeated vomiting and coma can occur.
Risk Factors
Young children and the elderly are at an increased risk for heatstroke and sunstroke. Young children who rely on others to modify their environments, for example, to remove extra blankets or heavy clothing, may be sensitive to rising temperatures. Elderly adults are less sensitive to changes in temperature, so their thermostats work less efficiently. People with excess body fat are also more likely to retain heat.
Conditions or medications that cause dehydration can increase your risk for sunstroke Skin disorders such as scleroderma can interfere with your ability to sweat. Dehydrating medications; for example, the diuretics furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiaszide (Esidrix) make less water available in the body for sweat, thereby crippling your body's cooling system.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.
However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. However, common symptoms and signs of heat/sun 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, and coma. In the more severe cases, heatstroke can even cause organ dysfunction, brain damage, and death.
April 17, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 2
Part 2 - Causes
Sunstroke results from a failure in your body's cooling system. When its cooling system fails, your body is overwhelmed by excess heat; this is when sunstroke occurs. Anything that disrupts your body's thermostat can increase the likelihood of sunstroke. These may include such factors as underlying medical conditions, medications, physical characteristics, or age.
Dehydration contributes to sunstroke. Dehydration happens when your body excretes more water than it takes in. For example, increased water loss through excessive urination is a common side effect of caffeine, alcohol, and many prescription and over-the-counter medications. When the water supply in your body is low, cells begin to pull water from the bloodstream, forcing organs to work harder. Dehydration can also affect the skin's ability to cool the body efficiently. The heart must pump an adequate supply of blood to the skin in order for the skin to cool the body. When you are dehydrated, the blood's volume is reduced, so the cooling process becomes less effective. The taxing effect on the body escalates into the symptoms of heat-related illness.
Prolonged exposure to the sun contributes to sunstroke. When body fluids are not adequately replenished, sun exposure can cause rapid dehydration. Even on mild or overcast days, the sun can have dangerous health effects. The heat index is a measure calculated by the National Weather Service. It indicates how hot it "feels" outside in the shade when both the air temperature and the relative humidity are considered. In the direct sun, the heat index rises even higher. The following heat indices are associated with these heat-related conditions:
80°F-90°F: Fatigue possible after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
90°F-105°F: Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke possible after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
105°F-130°F: Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke likely after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
130°F and higher: Sunstroke likely with sustained exposure to the sun.
If heat exhaustion is not promptly taken care of, it can quickly progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a more urgent matter and is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include warm, flushed skin, little or no sweating, and an extremely high body temperature. Confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures may also occur. A call to 911 is the best way to get help fast.
Sunstroke results from a failure in your body's cooling system. When its cooling system fails, your body is overwhelmed by excess heat; this is when sunstroke occurs. Anything that disrupts your body's thermostat can increase the likelihood of sunstroke. These may include such factors as underlying medical conditions, medications, physical characteristics, or age.
Dehydration contributes to sunstroke. Dehydration happens when your body excretes more water than it takes in. For example, increased water loss through excessive urination is a common side effect of caffeine, alcohol, and many prescription and over-the-counter medications. When the water supply in your body is low, cells begin to pull water from the bloodstream, forcing organs to work harder. Dehydration can also affect the skin's ability to cool the body efficiently. The heart must pump an adequate supply of blood to the skin in order for the skin to cool the body. When you are dehydrated, the blood's volume is reduced, so the cooling process becomes less effective. The taxing effect on the body escalates into the symptoms of heat-related illness.
Prolonged exposure to the sun contributes to sunstroke. When body fluids are not adequately replenished, sun exposure can cause rapid dehydration. Even on mild or overcast days, the sun can have dangerous health effects. The heat index is a measure calculated by the National Weather Service. It indicates how hot it "feels" outside in the shade when both the air temperature and the relative humidity are considered. In the direct sun, the heat index rises even higher. The following heat indices are associated with these heat-related conditions:
80°F-90°F: Fatigue possible after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
90°F-105°F: Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke possible after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
105°F-130°F: Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke likely after prolonged physical activity or sun exposure.
130°F and higher: Sunstroke likely with sustained exposure to the sun.
If heat exhaustion is not promptly taken care of, it can quickly progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a more urgent matter and is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include warm, flushed skin, little or no sweating, and an extremely high body temperature. Confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures may also occur. A call to 911 is the best way to get help fast.
April 15, 2010
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - Part 1
This is a large topic, so for simplicity I am dividing it into 6 parts: Basics, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.
Part 1, Basics
I live in the north central part of the US, and generally have about four or five months that I need to be concerned about heatstroke. Others have more or less time to be concerned depending on their location.
I had heatstroke as a teenager, but have been able to adapt and have not had a reoccurrence. Yes, I am probably more conscious of what is happening now with that experience.
Summer is the time of year to enjoy being outdoors. When summer arrives here, so do generally high temperatures and high humidity. People with chronic conditions have to be even more careful in the heat than usual, especially with diabetes.
Hot summer weather can cause dehydration very quickly. It is important for everyone to increase their intake of liquids, not just people with diabetes. However, those of us with diabetes, have to know that dehydration can also occur when blood glucose levels are high, regardless of temperature, so when you are outside, it becomes doubly important to increase your intake of fluids.
1. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water and even if you are not thirsty. Do not drink sugar-laden juices and sports drinks though -- they can just compound the problem. Beverages containing caffeine in moderate amounts do not seem to affect blood glucose levels. However, consuming large amounts of caffeine over a shorter amount of time seems to raise blood glucose in some individuals.
NOTE: If it is important to replace electrolytes, then some sports drinks may be necessary and extra testing may be necessary.
2. Exercise or do activities that are more strenuous in the early morning hours or evening hours of the day when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not at its zenith.
3. It is also recommended to check your blood glucose levels often when it is hot outside. Both hyper and hypoglycemia can be a problem during hot weather.
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia. This means that you have an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. I would urge everyone to be aware of this fact alone. A 911 call is important for fast action.
In very dry air, sweat evaporates easily, quickly cooling your body; but in very humid air, sweat does not evaporate. It may collect on the skin or run off your body without affecting your body's climbing temperature.
Extremely warm and humid temperatures can quickly overwhelm your body's cooling system - especially when there is not a breeze. When sweating can no longer keep you cool, body temperature quickly rises, causing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Sunstroke is a type of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a condition that occurs after exposure to excessive heat. In sunstroke, also called heat illness, heat injury, hyperthermia, heat prostration, and heat collapse, the source of heat is the sun. Other types of heatstroke occur after exposure to heat from different sources
Heatstroke, including sunstroke, is considered the most severe of the heat-related illnesses. Heat can have punishing effects on your body. After excessive exercise or physical labor, your body can overheat, and you may suffer heat exhaustion.
Heat cramps occur after excessive loss of water and salt; usually resulting from excessive sweating, or after strenuous exercise or labor. During heat exhaustion and heat cramps, the heat, controlling system is still intact, but can be overwhelmed.
It is necessary to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, too, since the risk is higher in people with diabetes. If heat exhaustion is not taken care of, it can quickly progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a more urgent matter and is a medical emergency.
The body normally generates heat because of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher.
Again - - A call to 911 is the best way to get help fast.
Resting in an air-conditioned room or another cool place and drinking more water should make you feel better. If you suspect heat exhaustion, call your doctor. He or she may want to follow up with an office visit or other interventions. If the doctor is not available, I suggest a visit to an emergency room.
Those most susceptible to heat/sun strokes include: infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), athletes, and outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
The summer heat can also be a concern when trying to carry supplies such as insulin, meters and strips with you. Insulated bags with small refreezable gel packs are good for keeping things cool. Keep equipment out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
With some advanced planning and special considerations, summer can still be a safe and enjoyable time of year.
Part 1, Basics
I live in the north central part of the US, and generally have about four or five months that I need to be concerned about heatstroke. Others have more or less time to be concerned depending on their location.
I had heatstroke as a teenager, but have been able to adapt and have not had a reoccurrence. Yes, I am probably more conscious of what is happening now with that experience.
Summer is the time of year to enjoy being outdoors. When summer arrives here, so do generally high temperatures and high humidity. People with chronic conditions have to be even more careful in the heat than usual, especially with diabetes.
Hot summer weather can cause dehydration very quickly. It is important for everyone to increase their intake of liquids, not just people with diabetes. However, those of us with diabetes, have to know that dehydration can also occur when blood glucose levels are high, regardless of temperature, so when you are outside, it becomes doubly important to increase your intake of fluids.
1. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water and even if you are not thirsty. Do not drink sugar-laden juices and sports drinks though -- they can just compound the problem. Beverages containing caffeine in moderate amounts do not seem to affect blood glucose levels. However, consuming large amounts of caffeine over a shorter amount of time seems to raise blood glucose in some individuals.
NOTE: If it is important to replace electrolytes, then some sports drinks may be necessary and extra testing may be necessary.
2. Exercise or do activities that are more strenuous in the early morning hours or evening hours of the day when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not at its zenith.
3. It is also recommended to check your blood glucose levels often when it is hot outside. Both hyper and hypoglycemia can be a problem during hot weather.
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia. This means that you have an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. I would urge everyone to be aware of this fact alone. A 911 call is important for fast action.
In very dry air, sweat evaporates easily, quickly cooling your body; but in very humid air, sweat does not evaporate. It may collect on the skin or run off your body without affecting your body's climbing temperature.
Extremely warm and humid temperatures can quickly overwhelm your body's cooling system - especially when there is not a breeze. When sweating can no longer keep you cool, body temperature quickly rises, causing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Sunstroke is a type of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a condition that occurs after exposure to excessive heat. In sunstroke, also called heat illness, heat injury, hyperthermia, heat prostration, and heat collapse, the source of heat is the sun. Other types of heatstroke occur after exposure to heat from different sources
Heatstroke, including sunstroke, is considered the most severe of the heat-related illnesses. Heat can have punishing effects on your body. After excessive exercise or physical labor, your body can overheat, and you may suffer heat exhaustion.
Heat cramps occur after excessive loss of water and salt; usually resulting from excessive sweating, or after strenuous exercise or labor. During heat exhaustion and heat cramps, the heat, controlling system is still intact, but can be overwhelmed.
It is necessary to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, too, since the risk is higher in people with diabetes. If heat exhaustion is not taken care of, it can quickly progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a more urgent matter and is a medical emergency.
The body normally generates heat because of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher.
Again - - A call to 911 is the best way to get help fast.
Resting in an air-conditioned room or another cool place and drinking more water should make you feel better. If you suspect heat exhaustion, call your doctor. He or she may want to follow up with an office visit or other interventions. If the doctor is not available, I suggest a visit to an emergency room.
Those most susceptible to heat/sun strokes include: infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), athletes, and outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
The summer heat can also be a concern when trying to carry supplies such as insulin, meters and strips with you. Insulated bags with small refreezable gel packs are good for keeping things cool. Keep equipment out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
With some advanced planning and special considerations, summer can still be a safe and enjoyable time of year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)