Heat-illness Prevention for Sailors
on Friday August 10, 2001 10:58AM
(From Scuttlebutt No. 876, an online sailing newsletter)
In light of recent extreme heat conditions here is some information on heat-illness and suggestions for precautions sailors can take.For those who are not familiar with heat-related illness, it can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Dehydration plays a significant factor and can contribute to decreased performance, increased injury, and further risk of heat illness. Anyone is susceptible to these conditions, but the young, the elderly, the disabled and those with certain diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are at increased risk for problems.
Heat cramps, which can be painful, are associated with excessive sweating and are usually, caused by salt depletion. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body temperature is increased as the sweating mechanism becomes overwhelmed due to overheating. Symptoms may include thirst, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, cramps, nausea, decreased performance, clammy skin and occasionally disorientation. Heat stroke is life threatening and is characterized by confusion, rapid pulse, and elevated body temperature due to inadequate sweating response. This can lead to severe neurological problems and even death.
If the signs of heat related illness begin to occur, lay the sailor down in a cool environment, loosen their clothes, give them small amounts of water or sports drink (do not give salt tablets), fan and sponge off the patient (cool the patient more quickly during heat stroke), remember the ABC's (airway, breathing, and circulation), and get medical assistance.
Preventative measures include drinking 20 oz of water or sports drink before you exercise or go out for a sail - racing or for pleasure. Maintain hydration by drinking 10 oz of water every 10-20 minutes, and when you return to the dock, another 20-oz. If you drink sports drinks, be sure they have less than 8% carbohydrate. Caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol will worsen the dehydration - even from the party the night before. Remember; do not wait until you are thirsty. Sailors also need to shield themselves from direct sunlight in addition to the UV radiation reflected off of the sails, decks, and water. Use waterproof sunblock SPF 15 at least, wear a broad-brimmed hat, 100% UVA and UVB protective sunglasses, light weight, light colored reflective long clothing and stay in the shade when possible.
Remember prevention and awareness is the best medicine! Sail Safe!
By Anne Allen MD, SailSportMed Inc. (aasail@aol.com) www.sailsportmed.org
In light of recent extreme heat conditions here is some information on heat-illness and suggestions for precautions sailors can take.For those who are not familiar with heat-related illness, it can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Dehydration plays a significant factor and can contribute to decreased performance, increased injury, and further risk of heat illness. Anyone is susceptible to these conditions, but the young, the elderly, the disabled and those with certain diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are at increased risk for problems.
Heat cramps, which can be painful, are associated with excessive sweating and are usually, caused by salt depletion. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body temperature is increased as the sweating mechanism becomes overwhelmed due to overheating. Symptoms may include thirst, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, cramps, nausea, decreased performance, clammy skin and occasionally disorientation. Heat stroke is life threatening and is characterized by confusion, rapid pulse, and elevated body temperature due to inadequate sweating response. This can lead to severe neurological problems and even death.
If the signs of heat related illness begin to occur, lay the sailor down in a cool environment, loosen their clothes, give them small amounts of water or sports drink (do not give salt tablets), fan and sponge off the patient (cool the patient more quickly during heat stroke), remember the ABC's (airway, breathing, and circulation), and get medical assistance.
Preventative measures include drinking 20 oz of water or sports drink before you exercise or go out for a sail - racing or for pleasure. Maintain hydration by drinking 10 oz of water every 10-20 minutes, and when you return to the dock, another 20-oz. If you drink sports drinks, be sure they have less than 8% carbohydrate. Caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol will worsen the dehydration - even from the party the night before. Remember; do not wait until you are thirsty. Sailors also need to shield themselves from direct sunlight in addition to the UV radiation reflected off of the sails, decks, and water. Use waterproof sunblock SPF 15 at least, wear a broad-brimmed hat, 100% UVA and UVB protective sunglasses, light weight, light colored reflective long clothing and stay in the shade when possible.
Remember prevention and awareness is the best medicine! Sail Safe!
By Anne Allen MD, SailSportMed Inc. (aasail@aol.com) www.sailsportmed.org