Heat Related illness

1. Heat Related illness • Risk Factors • What to look for • Signs and Symptoms • What should you do?? • When should you call help??

2. WHO IS AT RISK? SOME RISK FACTORS MAY MAKE YOU MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM SKIN CANCER • Numerous, irregular, or large moles • Freckles • Fair Skin • Blonde, Red or Light Brown Hair • Age, weight, fitness • Use of drugs, Alcohol, medications • Prior heat related Illness.

3. What do I look for?? It is important to pay attention to yourself. Things like spots on your skin that change in size, shape or color could be good indicators that you are suffering from skin cancer and don’t even know it. These spots often do not hurt until it is too late. However, if they are noticed early, they are almost always curable. • Pale, wax like, pearly nodules or bumps • Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches of skin • Sores that don’t heal • Small mole-like growths (also known as Melanoma)

5. Heat Exhaustion HeatExhaustion is a serious condition that when left untreated, will develop into even more serious, Heat Stroke. Before experiencing Heat Exhaustion, it is common to get heat cramps. These may occur through out the body. This will quickly lead to the trigger for heat exhaustion which is dehydration. Some things to look for to recognize Heat Exhaustion Include: • Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting • Weakness and moist skin • Mood changes, irritability or confusion • Upset stomach or vomiting

6. Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Although it has fewer Signs, the symptoms can be much more severe. Heat stroke is your body going into shock due to such high core temperatures. Here’s what you should look for.. • Dry, Hot skin with no sweating • Mental confusion, losing consciousness, or dizzy. • Seizures or Convulsions

7. How the Body Handles Heat • The body tries to keep a constant internal temperature • When internal temperature rises, it attempts to get rid of excess heat by: • --Increasing blood flow to skin surface • --Releasing sweat onto skin surface

8. Effects of Body's Response to Heat • Reducedblood flow to brain • Reduced mental alertness and comprehension • Reduced blood flow to active muscles • Fatigue, loss of strength • Increased Sweating creating slippery situations

9. Treatment For Heat Related illness • Treat as a medical emergency • If left untreated, may result in death • 4,000 Americans die each year • Move victim to cool area • Give small cup of water (if not nauseous) • Loosen and/or remove clothing • Cool with water or massage with ice • Fan vigorously to improve evaporation

10. Dehydration • Cause: • Excessive fluid loss • Signs & symptoms: • Fatigue, weakness • dry mouth • Treatment: • Fluids and salt replacement

11. Heat Cramps • Cause: • Loss of salt • Signs & Symptoms: • Painful spasms in arms, legs and abdomen • Hot, moist skin • Treatment: • Drink water, rest, massage cramped areas

12. Heat Rash • Cause: • Inflamed skin • Signs & Symptoms: • Rash w/ pink pimples, itching, tingling • Treatment: • Cleanse area & dry, apply calamine or other lotions

13. Work-related Factors • Workload • Type of work • Level of physical activity • Time spent working • Clothing • Weight (heavy v. breathable) • Color (dark v. light) • Personal protective equipmentand clothing

14. Prevention • Drink plenty of fluids • Don’t rely on your thirst • 5-7 oz. Every 20 minutes • Acclimatization: adjust to the heat • The body takes 3-5 days to get used to the heat • Be careful if returning from vacation or absence

15. Prevention (continued) • Choose proper clothing • Choose light colors and lightest weight possible • Select proper personal protective equipment • Take heat into account when scheduling tasks • Work/rest cycles • Heaviest tasks early morning or dusk • Eat properly • Sleep and rest

16. Work Safe! Work Smart! Be Cool!!