22
health
DOG DAYS
OF SUMMER
WORDS Dr. Kendall Wagner, Chaffee Crossing Clinic Image Apiwich Pudsumran/Shutterstock
As I am writing this article,
we have had two
or working indoors in a hot, humid environment such as a
weeks of over 100˚ weather. Withered grass crunches under my
manufacturing plant increases the likelihood of heat-related
feet and just walking outside results in sweating! My thoughts
illness. Additional risk factors include dehydration, obesity,
quickly turn to the risks for friends who work outside in
poor physical condition, and naivety to the hot environment.
construction and lawn care, elderly neighbors with inadequate
Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and
access to air conditioning, and student athletes who will soon
heart conditions may increase the risk as well. Occupational
resume athletic training in preparation for fall sports.
requirements for heavy clothing such as fire, police, or industrial roles can also increase the risk. Student athletes
Hot, humid days like these increase our risk of heat-related
also experience a higher rate of heat-related illness with
illness. Our bodies normally maintain a healthy core body
approximately 9,000 cases per year – the majority of those
temperature through a process called thermoregulation,
occur during football season. Finally, children less than four
controlled by a region of the brain called the hypothalamus.
years of age and individuals sixty-five years of age and older
The hypothalamus sends signals to the skin and capillaries
are also at increased risk.
(small blood vessels near the surface of skin) activating a process that releases heat from the surface of the skin. When
HEAT RASH
your body temperature is elevated, your body relies on the
Heat rash is the mildest form of heat-related illness and
evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin to assist
presents as red, itchy skin which may also feel “tingly.” Small
in releasing heat into the environment. As the environmental
bumps or blisters may form in skin folds where skin touches
temperature and humidity increase, sweating becomes less
skin or areas of the skin that stay moist such as the neck,
effective. When the rate of heat entering and being produced
underarms, or upper chest. The rash occurs when excessive
by the body exceeds the amount of heat able to be released
sweat becomes trapped under the surface of the skin resulting
from the body, the risk for heat-related illness develops.
in obstruction of the sweat gland. Core body temperature is usually normal. Treatment involves use of light, breathable
There are four presentations of heat-related illness which can
fabrics, application of powder to combat moisture on the
occur during periods of overheating. These are heat rash, heat
skin, and seeking shade when available. Ointments should
cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While heat rash and
be avoided in this situation as they result in blockage of the
cramps are mild presentations, heat stroke and exhaustion
sweat gland.
are more severe. Working outside during the summer months DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
