[Everything doTERRA] Heat Stroke - a very real, dangerous condition

I wanted to share this blog I read from Stacy Merrell at www.yourwellnesscounts.com

2014 has certainly been a year of extremes when it comes to our weather.  After having a winter filled with unusually high piles of snow and freezing temperatures over most of the US, many people welcomed warm weather with open arms.  Although, with the warmer weather comes the risk of a very serious medical condition called  heat stroke.  Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its own temperature . This is a result of  being exposed to extremely high temperatures.  It usually will happen after heat cramps and heat exhaustion have progressed to the most severe form.  (So remember if you are expierencing heat cramps or start feeling ill, get in the shade with a drink ASAP).  Otherwise, your body continues to overheat, your condition will continue to worsen until heat stroke occurs. Heatstroke is confirmed when your body reaches a temperature of 104 F or above.  Heat stroke not only occurs in infants and adults, as it was once stated.  While the very young and the older generations are more susceptible,  it can happen to anyone.  It can happen to athletes and adults who are exposed to the hot humid temperatures who aren't properly hydrated.  People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease & obesity are also at a higher risk for heat stroke.  Exercising children do not adapt to the extremes of temperatures as effectively as adults do when they are exposed to a high climatic heat stress.  Children not only have a greater surface area-to-body mass ratio than adults, which causes a greater heat gain on a hot day, they also produce more metabolic heat per mass unit than adults during physical activities.   Without the proper care, a heat stroke victim could go into shock, suffer from  brain and/or  permanent organ damage, they could go into a coma or they could very possibly die.

There are many warning signs to look for.  If you or someone you are with starts having problems with nausea/vomiting, skin turning red, racing heart, headache, difficulty speaking, or not sweating, again get to a shaded cooler area and get a cold drink.  If it is too late and heat stroke has set in, call 911 for help.  Until the medics arrive, you must try to cool the person down. Once they are in a cool place, remove victims clothing, use cold towels and ice packs to help drop their body temperature.  Place the ice packs in dry towels and place the under armpts and between their legs. You can also use a fan or manually fan the person's wet skin.  This helps evapoatre the mosisture which in turn, cools down the body.   If you are near a bathtub, fill it with COOL water not COLD water ( Cold water can send the victim into shock) and sit or lay the person in the cool water.  Always make sure that you stay with them, incase they loose consciousness.  You must make sure that their face does not go underwater.

Luckily, heat stroke is a condition that is completely preventable. On these hot & humid days, make sure you keep yourself hydrated!  This is the #1 way to prevent heat stroke. Also, avoid alcohol & coffee during high heat times.  It is also advised to wear loose, light colored clothes and even a hat.  If it is possible, try to wait until the sun starts to set to do any strenuous work outdoors.  Heat stroke can be very serious, so please pay close attention to the  warning signs.  Keep your eyes open for people and or animals having problems in the heat, especially ones who have been left in a car.  On a 90 degree day, a car without the windows being open or the air on, can reach temperatures of 140 degrees with 90 minutes.  With temperatures soaring quickly it can only take minutes before heat stroke or death can occur.

As you go on with your day, enjoy the sun, but please remember these tips, because your wellness counts AND they could save a life!

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