AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —According to the CDC, heat-related deaths are one of the deadliest weather-related health consequences in the United States. Although heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, hundreds of people die each year.
Dr. Brian Weis, interim regional dean of the School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, notes that here are some common signs and symptoms of heat stress:
– sweating unusually heavily or unexpectedly little when you expect to sweat more
-palpitations or rapid heart rate
-nausea, sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain
-muscle cramps
-malaise (unusual tiredness)
-confusion
-poor concentration
-lethargy
-headache
-irritability
Dr. Weis says heat-related illnesses can come on unexpectedly, so plan ahead to prevent them. Try to go out earlier or later in the day if you have to go out, and don’t go alone so someone can be there if you need help.
Staying hydrated is also important for staying healthy when you’re out in the sun. Dr. Weis explains that we lose moisture through sweat or even breathing, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after outdoor activity. He also advises getting your skin wet and sitting in front of a fan if you start to feel too hot. Also, wear hats and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that breathes well and wicks moisture away from your skin.
In some cases, you may need to call 911.
Summer is also an important time to remind people that there is a risk of skin cancer. An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the United States. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent. The most at-risk areas of your body include your face, ears, lower lip, neck, arms, and even the backs of your hands.
Some risk factors for skin cancer are:
-indoor tanning
-Sun burn
-Skin type
-unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays
-genetic
-atypical moles
-organ transplant
-Red hair
The following steps can help reduce your risk:
– Daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15+
– Apply 30 ml of sunscreen all over your body before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating
– Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over six months old
– Wear sun protective clothing, UV-protective sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats
– Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
– Protective film for your car and home windows
– Annual skin exams with your doctor
– Monthly self-examinations and healthy eating
To prevent skin cancer, you should also perform self-exams and look for any new, changing, or unusual signs on your skin. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.
TEXAS TECH DOCTORS
1400 SOUTH COULTER
1 (806) 414-9559
www.texastechphysicians.com
