AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —According to the CDC, deaths from heatstroke are one of the deadliest weather-related health hazards in the U.S. Although heatstroke-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, hundreds of people die from them every year.
Dr. Brian Weiss, interim regional dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, noted that these are common signs and symptoms of heat stress.
– Sweating more than expected or less than expected
– Palpitations or rapid heart rate
-Nausea, sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain
-Muscle spasms
– Fatigue (unusual tiredness)
-confusion
-Difficulty concentrating
-Lethargy
-headache
– Frustrated
Dr. Weiss says heatstroke can strike suddenly, so you should plan ahead to prevent it: If you need to go out, go earlier or later in the day, and don't go out alone so someone will be there if you need help.
Staying hydrated is another important way to stay healthy when you're out in the sun. Dr. Weiss says you need to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after any outdoor activity, because you lose fluids through sweating and breathing. And if you start to feel overheated, she recommends wetting your skin and sitting in front of a fan. Wear a hat and loose, light-colored clothing that's breathable and wicks moisture away from your skin.
In some cases, you may need to call 911.
Summer is also an important time to raise awareness about skin cancer. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the United States. If detected early, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate. The areas of the body most at risk are the face, ears, lower lip, neck, arms, and even the back of the hands.
Risk factors for skin cancer include:
-Indoor tanning
-Sunburn
-Skin type
-Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays
-Genetics
-Atypical moles
-Organ transplantation
-Redhead
The following can help reduce the risk:
– Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day
– Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
– Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over 6 months of age.
– Wear sun-protective clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, and use a wide-brimmed hat
– Seek shade whenever possible (especially between 10am and 4pm)
– Car and home window protection film
– Annual skin exam by a doctor
– Monthly self-examination and healthy eating
To prevent skin cancer, you should also check your skin for anything new, changed, or abnormal. If you notice anything abnormal, contact your doctor right away.
Texas Tech University Physician
1400 South Coulter
1 (806) 414-9559
Texas Tech Physicians
