It’s heating up out there and I wanted to pass on some helpful summer advice that I have given before, but it’s worth repeating. Also, we have had a problem with United Healthcare dropping us. It turns out that we didn’t respond to an email that they sent to an email address that hasn’t been used for 6 years. When we didn’t respond they dropped us. We have reapplied and we think it will be worked out. The problem is that you can’t call them. You can only communicate with them through chat bots. It is unbelievably frustrating. They are supposed to let us know soon.
I will be doing some traveling this summer or as we call it here, “working remotely”.
Sunscreens and Insect Repellents:
Here is a link to a recent blogpost about avoiding two common summer maladies, sunburn and mosquito bites:
Summer Sun and Mosquitoes – Mark Thornton
Traveling abroad?
You can check out your destination on the CDC’s website. Destinations | Travelers’ Health | CDC
I operated a travel clinic for over 20 years. I pioneered travel medicine in San Antonio and gave medical advice and immunizations to hundreds of travelers during that time. During the pandemic our stock of travel vaccines expired since no one was traveling. We decided not to re-stock them. Most our readily available at pharmacies and we don’t want to keep a large vaccine inventory on hand. Walgreen’s carries Yellow Fever vaccine now. We are happy to advise you what you need and prescribe any prescriptions needed, but time doesn’t allow having a travel clinic any longer.
Avoiding Heat Stroke
This is going to be an unusually hot week. As we get older, our thermostats may not function as they did when we were younger making us mor vulnerable to heat related illness. Here is some information from Up To Date on avoiding heat stroke:
What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a condition that can happen when a person’s body gets too hot. Most often, heat stroke happens when people exercise in very hot and humid weather without drinking enough fluids. But heat stroke can also happen in people who are not exercising. It is especially likely to affect older people, people who have health problems, and young children and babies. These people need to be extra careful in hot conditions.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly. That’s because heat stroke can lead to death if it is not treated quickly.
When people get too hot, they can also get “heat cramps” and “heat exhaustion.” These conditions are not as serious as heat stroke, but they can lead to heat stroke if they aren’t treated.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke? People with heat stroke have:
●A body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
●Brain symptoms – These can include:
•Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
•Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (called “hallucinating”)
•Trouble walking
•Seizures
•Passing out
Heat stroke can also cause:
●Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
●Skin redness and warmth – The skin might feel moist or dry.
●Vomiting or diarrhea
●Muscle cramps or weakness
●Headaches
Should I see a doctor or nurse? Yes. If you or someone you are with has heat stroke, get medical help right away. Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).
Is there a test for heat stroke? Yes. The doctor will do an exam and check your temperature. They will probably need to take your temperature rectally to get the most exact result. To take a rectal temperature, a doctor or nurse will insert a thermometer into your anus.
The doctor will probably also do other tests to find out if the heat stroke hurt other organs in your body. These tests can include:
●Blood tests
●Urine tests
●Chest X-ray
●Electrocardiogram (ECG) – This test measures the electrical activity in your heart (figure 1).
How is heat stroke treated? The main treatment involves cooling your body down as soon as possible. Medical professionals can do this in different ways. It might involve using a fan to blow air on wet skin, pouring cold water over you, or putting you in an ice bath. If possible, this might be done before taking you to the hospital.
In the hospital, your doctor will also treat any other problems the heat stroke has caused.
Can heat stroke be prevented? Yes. When it is hot or humid out, you can do the following things to help prevent heat stroke:
●Try not to be too active, and take breaks when you exercise
●Drink enough fluids, such as water or sports drinks, so you do not feel thirsty. But don’t force yourself to drink very large amounts in a short time, and don’t drink so much that you feel uncomfortable. This can be harmful.
●Do any exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot out
●Wear loose, lightweight clothes. Don’t wear too many layers.
●Avoid being in a hot car
You should also watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat cramps cause painful muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It can also make you thirsty or tired.
If you have symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should cool your body down right away to avoid getting heat stroke.
To cool your body down, you can:
●Spray yourself with cool water and then sit in front of a fan
●Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car
●Take a cool shower or bath
●Drink water or a sports drink. Do not have a drink with alcohol or caffeine.
●Take off any extra clothing you are wearing
●Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck, armpits, and groin
That’s it for now.
Wishing you a healthy and safe summer!
Mark L. Thornton, M.D., F.A.C.P.
