For Immediate Release
July 6, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
(732) 530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

RIVERVIEW EXPERTS OFFERS TIPS TO PREVENT HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

Don't let fun in the sun turn dangerous.

Red Bank, NJ - The summer heat is at its peak during July and August, and while kids are eager to enjoy their summer vacation, parents should make sure they don't get ill from the heat.

Howard Rubinstein, M.D., medical director of the Emergency Care Center at Riverview Medical Center, sees first hand the consequences of prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect children as well as adults. All it takes is exposure to heat without rest or fluids," says Dr. Rubinstein. "Children adjust more slowly than adults to changes in environmental heat, they sweat less, and they do not think to rest or take in fluids when playing."

There are three types of heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat. Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs and symptoms of heat related injuries include:

Heat cramps - painful cramps, moist skin, and a mild fever

Heat exhaustion - heat cramp symptoms along with nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Heat stroke - prior indicators, plus more extreme symptoms such as rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, confusion, agitation, lethargy and stupor. If left untreated, it could progress to seizure, coma, and death.

Dr. Rubinstein recommends some general guidelines to help protect children, as well as adults, from heat-related illnesses.

- Drink plenty of fluids when outdoors, such as water and sports drinks. Avoid fluids with caffeine such as tea, coffee, and cola (as well as alcohol for adults), as these can lead to dehydration.

- Dress in light colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing on hot days.

- Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Take rest periods in shady or cool areas.

- Use sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses and an umbrella. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 or higher.

- Take frequent drink breaks and "wet down" or mist the body to avoid becoming overheated.

- Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on extremely hot and humid days.

The doctor also notes that certain medications that both children and adults take may also make them more prone to heat related illnesses. Check with your physician or pharmacist to learn about potential side effects of medications. For more information about children's and adult health topics, visit the Health Library at www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women & Children's Pavilion maintains one of the largest numbers of births in Monmouth County. For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

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