Heat Stroke On The Rise This Summer, Preventable

July 2012

Most of the country is experiencing record heat conditions and heat related illnesses, due to prolonged exposure to heat, are on the rise.  Those with breathing problems, children and the elderly are especially at risk.  Those in affected areas need to take caution and consume an adequate amount of fluids. Sweating is the natural action of the body and cooling mechanism to counter heat and is often the first sign of dehydration before the onset of heat stroke. Many people simply ignore these warning signs without proper hydration and continue with their normal physical activities.



Heat Stroke - The Warning Signs (one or more signs may be present)

• Throbbing Headache
• Rapid pulse
• High body temperature (103°F+)
• Skin appears red and dry
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness

What to Do?

1. Call for medical assistance as soon as possible.
2. Get individual to a shady area.
3. Apply cool water or wrap individual in a cool towel to bring down body temperature.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke?

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid the sun
• Apply sunblock daily
• Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol
• Check on children and the elderly
• Don't leave children or pets in the car (even with the windows down)

Heat strokes are very much preventable if certain precautions are taken like drinking adequate water during hot days, avoiding alcoholic and caffeine drinks, wearing light clothes, exercising in cooler time of the day, wearing sunglasses and applying sun block.

Related stories

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Maryland Emergency Management Agency issues warning and safety tips for seniors.

Dog Heatstroke: What It Is & How To Prevent It, Dog, Cat and other pets
Tips to Avoid Heatstroke in Dogs. There are ways to prevent heatstroke which can avoid emergency trips to the vet: Never leave your pet in a parked car with the windows cracked during summer.

Part Time Workers May Be First Casualties of ObamaCare

As businesses work to figure out the best way to implement the new health care law into the workplace, many part time employees may lose their hours.  That's because the law requires that part time employees in some businesses who work more than 30 hours per week be entitled to health insurance from their employer.  When you have minimum wage part time workers and a business suddenly has to spend up to $10,000 per year to provide health insurance for each worker, it is the equivalent of doubling their salary.  Therefore, many employers may be forced to cut their part time workforce or reduce their hours in order to remain competitive.  Those employers that do extend health insurance to part timers will almost certainly have to pass on the cost to the consumer which will result in higher prices in an economy that is already facing increased inflation.  The retail, grocery, tourism and hospitality industries employ some of the largest numbers of part time workers. This could also have a devastating effect on the part time worker that depends on their hours to make ends meet and would otherwise not be able to afford to comply with the individual mandate.

With the individual mandate, health insurance carriers no longer have an incentive to work with businesses or consumers to lower premiums.  In fact, just the opposite is happening.  Recently, WellPoint, Inc. announced its acquisition of AmeriGroup.  More consolidation is expected and there will likely be less competition and fewer choices for businesses and consumers that may ultimately have the unintended consequence of higher premiums and reduced benefits.  However, you can't really blame the insurance providers either.  After all, legislation requires them to insure everyone regardless of health.  There are also no more lifetime caps on benefits and individuals can't be dropped from their policy when they become sick. These are welcomed changes, for sure.  As a result, insurance providers need to be able to comply with the law and remain solvent in order to provide the benefits that the law mandates.

Unfortunately, as timing would have it, our economy is teetering on the verge of a double-dip recession.  Employment numbers have been steadily declining since January 2012 and June's job numbers reported only 90,000 new jobs.  The U.S. economy needs to generate a minimum of 200,000 new jobs each and every month just to stay above water.  In 2013, businesses will have to pay a new health care tax.  This will almost certainly result in fewer employees getting raises going forward.  With less cash in their pockets to spend, our economy may begin to decline at a more rapid pace.  While we are in the early stages of implementing the new health care law, it will certainly take some time for it to be absorbed into the economy.

Many penalties face businesses under Obamacare
The hours worked by part-time employees (those working less than 30 hours per week) are included in the calculation of a large employer, on a monthly basis, by dividing their total number of monthly hours worked by 120.

7 Simple Ways To Relieve Stress

With all of the pressures of daily life, the build-up of stress can have a detrimental effect on one's health if left untreated.  However, there are many ways that one can deal with the stress head-on and reduce its negative effects without having to resort to medication.

1. Get at least 7 hours of restful sleep each night. Research studies have shown that sleep deprivation can become a major health issue. Our body needs a good 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.  If you're unable to get enough sleep and you frequently wake up feeling tired, its time to make an appointment with a health care professional to rule out any medical issues that may be interrupting your sleep pattern.

2. Limit caffeine intake. With caffeine being so widely available its easy to forget that it is a drug.  Large doses of caffeine can cause headaches and heart palpitations.  You can reduce your caffeine intake by 50% by mixing half decaf  with your morning ritual.  Also, try switching to decaf in the afternoon if you are in the habit of drinking coffee during the day.  Drinking caffeinated beverages within four hours of bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep. Yes, caffeine gives you a burst of energy to enable you to feel more alert but the effect is limited.

3. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Your body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday. Make sure each meal has at least one serving of both fruits and veggies.  Apples and bananas are very healthy. Bananas are not fattening and apples help the immune system. Carrots make great afternoon snacks.

4. Watch your salt intake.  Salt raises your blood pressure, so keep an eye on salty foods being consumed. Fast foods, pre-packaged meals and processed foods contain extremely high levels of salt.  Even those foods labeled as low-sodium contain very high levels. When eating out, ask preparers to reduce the salt when preparing your meal.  Higher blood pressure can be very dangerous if left untreated which is why it is known as the silent killer.

5. Reflect on your positive accomplishments. Review the past week and concentrate on those positive aspects that made you feel good. Did something occur that attracted an experience of joy and laughter? Spend some time thinking about that moment and what you can do to continue feeling positive.

6. Find a hobby. Spend some time doing things you enjoy.  It may be photography, bird watching, hiking or anything that you like to do.  This will take your mind off the daily grind while you spend some quality time with yourself, family and friends.

 7. Take a nap. A short 15-20 minute nap in the afternoon can give you the rejuvenation you need to feel more rested and energized to finish your daily tasks.  If you work from home, or are on the road a lot,  scheduling a few minutes of downtime during the day to relax can be very beneficial.

Try one or more of these tips to relieve stress each day and you will be on the road to a more healthy body and mind.