Every summer as temperatures rise , many outdoor
enthusiasts fall to heat ailments such as heat stroke
or cramps. Here is a quick quiz to remind you and your
patients of some helpful facts that are sure to keep
you cool during an active summer!
- Heat cramps are most likely to occur in
which patient?
- A) A runner on a hot day drinking water and
alternating with a sports drink
- B) A runner on a
hot day not rehydrating at all
- C) A runner on a
hot day drinking 6 to 8 oz of water per hour for several
hours
- D) A runner on a hot day drinking 6 to 8
oz. of water per hour for 2 hours
Acclimatization to a hot environment should
take how long for the average adult?
- A) 1 to 3 days
- B) 4 to 6 days
- C)
7 to 10 days
- D) 11 to 13 days
At what core temperature should active cooling
be stopped to help prevent the development of
hypothermia?
- A)37° C (98.6° F)
- B) 38° C (100.4° F)
- C) 39° C (102.2° F)
- D) 41° C (105.8° F)
Answers:
- C - Though rehydration is always a
must, cramping results when water is replaced but
electrolytes are not. During sustained physical activity
or heat exposure, be sure to alternate with a sports
drink, consume salted foods, or add 1/4 to 1/2
teaspoon of salt to every liter of water.
C - Limiting then gradually increasing
exhertion in heat can drastically improve your
resistance to heat ailments. For those traveling to
hotter climates, increasing time in a sauna or steam
room over 7 to 10 days will also acclimatize the body.
Children and the elderly generally require 10 to 14
days.
C - After heat illness, the body's
temperature regulation is often instable and excessive
cooling may cause "overshoot hypothermia". As the
body cools, 39° C is the goal temperature at which
active cooling should cease.
The key all year, but especially in the heat, is to keep
a "cool" head and remember to always be properly
prepared with plenty of food and water. Have fun in the
sun!
