MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- With the summer season descending quickly on Japan, it brings with it a host of outdoor activities for all members of the community. But with the fun in the sun comes the ever present threat of becoming a victim of a heat related illness or injury.
Temperatures can reach above 90 degrees during the peak summer months in Iwakuni, and with that comes the possibility of heat related injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat exhaustion is basically when your body becomes over heated," said Navy Lt. Chang Hee Kim, Station flight surgeon. "When your body does not get enough fluids, you need too stay out of the sun, stay in the shade and give your body a break. Heat exhaustion is the equivalent of the engine in your car overheating."
Heat exhaustion usually happens over a long exposure to hot temperatures or when the body is not used to a new climate, added Kim. Working in an extremely hot environment or exercising too strenuously can also cause it. Being overdressed, over eating, and drinking to much alcohol can also be a contributing factor, noted Kim.
"When you're feeling hot, sweaty, tired, thirsty, dizzy, light-headed or faint, it is your body telling you something is wrong," said Kim. "To stay safe, you must have common sense. If you feel sick or dizzy when running, or even vomit, that's not normal and it's your body telling you something is wrong. And during unit exercise, if someone starts to show the signs, don't take them lightly."
According to Kim, several Marines die each year from heat related injuries.
"If you suspect heat exhaustion, first call for medical attention," said Patrick Brown, Station safety program administrator. "Move the victim into the shade, remove or loosen clothing and boots, fan the victim and elevate the legs."
Heat exhaustion can be easily treated. However, only a few things can actually help cool the body temperature, noted Kim.
"Give the victim water," Kim recommended. "Pour water and ice on the victim and stay with them until help arrives."
Heat stroke on the other hand, is when your body has already gone through heat exhaustion and is going onto the next step.
"Heat stroke has symptoms of feeling very hot, while having clammy but dry skin," said Kim. "This is similar to the body having lost the ability to sweat."
If someone is having a heat stroke, they should immediately be taken to the hospital, where the patient's symptoms will be reviewed, he added.
Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. It is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
"When your body starts to fail or is overwhelmed by heat, major heat disorders may occur," said Brown. "Your body can get severe muscle cramps, headaches, nausea and maybe collapse."
Although heat related illnesses could occur on Station during work, exercise or play, they can also happen where medical facilities are not available.
"In the field it's kind of hard to treat heat injuries," said Kim. "All you need to do is get a cold rag, wipe the individual and place them in the shade. Then place cold rags and ice packs on the large blood-flow areas. Give the casualty plenty of fluids to help flush out the kidneys, seek medical attention, then wait for the body to take over and fix itself."
Drinking water before, during and after exercise is also a way to prevent heat related illnesses and injuries.
"While exercising, a person should consume two quarts water," said Seaman Kevin Strickler, Branch Medical Clinic corpsman. "The rest of the time, just try to stay hydrated and drink extra water even when not thirsty,"
There are many other easy things one can do to prevent both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather, and drink plenty of fluids and keep hydrated," said Kim. "Try not to exercise during very hot conditions and take breaks to let your body cool off."
Although the summer months bring with them lots of fun activities, heat related injuries should be on everyone's mind.
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Tips and guidelines to avoid heat stress:
- Drink plenty of water - even before you feel thirsty.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol; they dehydrate the body.
- Find out if any medicine you're taking could make you sun-sensitive.
- Use sunblock.
- Schedule activities in the morning or late in the day.
- Spend at least five or 10 minutes of your workout gradually reducing your level of activity.