Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 15, 1995                   TAG: 9507170067
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SHEBA WHEELER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SUMMER'S HERE AND TIME IS RIGHT - FOR HEATSTROKE

As temperatures continue to rise, people may become victims of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

These illnesses often are caused by working in extreme heat, running a high fever or exercising too strenuously. Overdressing, overeating and drinking too much alcohol also are contributing factors.

Before someone suffers from heatstroke, he may experience heat exhaustion caused by dehydration.

According to Roanoke Valley health professionals, the symptoms of heat exhaustion include: confusion; fatigue or weakness; heavy sweating; dizziness, nausea or feeling faint; and dark yellow or orange urine.

If heat exhaustion progresses to heatstroke, it becomes a life-or-death medical emergency in which the victim literally "burns up" from the inside because the body no longer can regulate heat.

Heatstroke symptoms include: hot, dry skin; no sweating; muscle cramps; flushed skin; shallow breathing; hallucinations or loss of consciousness; aggression or agitation; body temperature above 104 degrees.

First-aid treatment for prolonged heat exposure includes:

Move the person to a shady area.

Loosen or remove clothing.

Cover the person with a wet sheet.

Fan the person.

Sponge or hose down the body with cool water.

Continue giving first aid until the body is cool to the touch.

Allow person to sip water, fruit juice or a soft drink if conscious.

If the victim suffers heatstroke, seek medical attention once the skin is cool to the touch.

To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

Stay out of the hot sun, limit exposure and wear a hat if working in intense heat.

Limit activity.

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Drink water often, and drink extra water when you sweat - even if you aren't thirsty.

Open windows or use a fan or air conditioner to improve air circulation.

Limit food intake to small, cooler meals such as salads.

Limit alcohol intake.

The College of Health Sciences, Learning Resource Center, the Carilion Physician Referral & Health Information, and Clinical Reference Systems Ltd. were sources for this story.