Page 24 - USI Newsletter No.94

Lohas 樂活久久
Forever NO.94

Preventing Heat-related Injuries

from Blazing Sun Who are the high-risk groups? Stay Cool
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting,
6 High-Risk Groups to Beware of Heat-related Injuries
• Infants and young children: Their temperature breathable, and UV-resistant clothing.
regulation system and sweat glands are not yet fully • Install sunshades or curtains indoors to avoid direct
Author: Taiwan Nankang Site / QA&CSR / S&HS / HS / Sin Bai
developed. sunlight.
• Adults aged 65 and above: Their body's ability to • Enhance ventilation systems, and consider installing
regulate temperature declines, making them less cooling devices for high-temperature equipment.
sensitive to changes in external temperature. Elderly Stay Hydrated
individuals with chronic conditions such as heart • Develop a habit of drinking at least 2,000 ml of water
disease, hypertension, diabetes, or stroke need to be daily. Adjust the amount based on activity level,
especially cautious. physical condition, and climate.

• Patients with chronic illnesses (such as heart disease, • Engage in high-intensity activities or work for an
hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease): extended period, which leads to significant fluid loss
Individuals with chronic conditions have poorer heat
ccording to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the period from 2023 to 2027 is projected and electrolyte depletion. Replenish fluids with
dissipation and sweat response, making it more
to be the �hottest five years� on record. With soaring temperatures, it�s getting unbearably hot! What electrolytes (salt content) appropriately.
difficult for them to regulate and adapt to the
A are the symptoms of heat-related injuries? Who is more susceptible to heat-related injuries? And how • Avoid consuming alcoholic and sugary beverages.
environment.
can we prevent them? Stay Alert
• Individuals taking medications: Certain medications
Understanding Heat-related Injuries can impair heat dissipation, such as sympathomimetic • Never leave infants or young children alone in closed,
parked vehicles, regardless of the duration.
"Heat-related injuries" are categorized into different types based on their symptoms: Heat Syncope, Heat agents, anticholinergic drugs, antihypertensive • Stay updated on weather forecasts issued by the
Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic
drugs. meteorological bureau. Choose days with lower
• Heat Syncope: Heat syncope is mainly caused by prolonged standing, which leads to blood pooling in the lower • Outdoor workers, athletes, or individuals working in temperatures for outdoor activities and ensure
extremities. In addition, the peripheral blood vessels dilate due to hot weather, resulting in inadequate blood enclosed spaces: Direct exposure to sunlight, intense complete sun protection measures.
flow to the brain and temporary fainting. It can be resolved by dissipating heat.
physical activity, or working in poorly ventilated • Outdoor workers, athletes, or individuals working in
• Heat Cramp: Heat cramps occur during physical activity in hot and humid environments, leading to excessive environments can lead to the accumulation of heat enclosed spaces should monitor their own physical
fluid and electrolyte loss and an imbalance in electrolytes. Muscles can experience cramping-like sensations due to the body's increased heat production, condition and that of their colleagues.
due to the electrolyte imbalance, commonly affecting the thighs, calves, arms, and abdominal muscles. resulting in heat-related injuries.
Typically, replenishing fluids and electrolytes helps alleviate the symptoms. • Overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 24): Subcutaneous fat What Should We Do if Heat-related Injuries Occur?
hinders heat dissipation, and the higher basal
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses a significant amount of sweat without timely metabolic rate generates more heat, making it easier When recognizing signs of heat-related injuries such
replenishment of fluids and electrolytes. It can result in circulatory failure, abnormal thermoregulation, and for heat to accumulate in the body and cause heat as elevated body temperature, dry and hot skin, rapid
an increase in body temperature (but not exceeding 40°C). Possible symptoms include profuse sweating, stroke. heartbeat, and in severe cases, lack of sweating,
weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, loss of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion,
consciousness and heat stroke can occur. How to prevent heat-related injuries? seizures, or loss of consciousness, it is essential to
quickly leave the high-temperature environment and
• Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a severe condition where the body's thermoregulation system completely fails. Core The National Health Administration provides three attempt to lower the body temperature. Remove
body temperature rises above 40°C, and symptoms may include "anhidrosis" (lack of sweating), dry and key tips for preventing heat-related injuries: "Stay clothing, use water to wipe the body, create airflow,
reddened skin, confusion, and behavioral changes. Complications can include liver and kidney failure, cool, stay hydrated, and stay alert." drink cold water with a pinch of salt or electrolyte
pulmonary edema, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), myocardial damage, rhabdomyolysis, and beverages, and seek medical attention promptly.
shock, with the potential for death. The mortality rate of heat stroke exceeds 30%, meaning that at least 30 out
of 100 individuals with heat stroke will die

22 23