Learn about heatstroke symptoms, prevention and how to help someone you suspect is suffering from this condition.
Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
Featured Speaker:
Paul Lenz, M.D.
Paul Lenz is an Akron native, born at Summa Akron City Hospital. He has been in practice for 16 years and joined the faculty at Summa Barberton Hospital's family medicine residency program after nearly 15 years in private practice. In addition to teaching residents and medical students, he enjoys both hospital and office-based medical practice along with nursing home care. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children along with participating in running, swimming and cycling.
Transcription:
Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
Host: I'm here with Dr. Paul Lenz, family medicine provider at Summa Health. Dr. Lenz, what is heat stroke?
Dr. Paul Lenz: Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the core body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher, usually resulting from strenuous activity or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Host: What are the symptoms?
Dr. Paul Lenz: Symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, lack of sweating, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, nausea or vomiting, fainting. If someone displays these symptoms, call 911 and try to lower their body temperature while waiting for emergency care.
Host: How can you prevent heat stroke?
Dr. Paul Lenz: Wear loose, light-colored clothing. Protect yourself from sunburn exposure. Shift your time outdoors to the coolest times. Take frequent breaks and rehydrate often. Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol.
Host: For a Summa Health primary care provider near you, visit summahealth.org/primarycare or call 877-203-3115.