Beacon Ortho: Do All You Can to Beat The Heat

Check out a list of prevention tactics to prevent heat illness.

According to The Weather Company, an IBM Business, and Atmospheric G2, the summer of 2022 will be hotter than a typical summer, particularly in the Rockies, the Plains and yes, right here in the Midwest. So, it’s not just you; it is hot.

And now -- post-pandemic – many of us are trying to be more active and/or exercise outdoors, even in very hot weather. So, the experts at Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine want to encourage you to pay attention to your person body temperature and take every precaution to stay a cool as possible. “It’s really important that everyone know and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses,” said Dr. David Argo from Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “If the body heats up too fast, sometimes it can’t cool itself and mild to severe heat illness may develop.” Dr. Argo offers the following symptoms of potential heat illness to be on the lookout for:

• Confusion/Irrational Behavior
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Low Blood Pressure
• Increased Respiratory Rate

The hope is to stay safe by being aware of these symptoms. Awareness means being ready to take the necessary steps to prevent, control and respond to those symptoms effectively. This will help keep us safe even in a record-setting hot summer. Dr. Argo works with patients who are all ages and all athletic levels. “Even if you are ‘just’ working in your garden or mowing the grass, you need to pay attention,” he said.

Of course, those who work all day in extreme heat (like road crew members and construction workers) should be especially careful, but the heat is excessive. So, we should be proactive in our care. We must do everything possible to prevent heat illness. Preventing those reactions is much better than treating the symptoms when they occur. The professionals at Beacon tell us all to take that prevention seriously.

Now, that the summer is completely upon us, make sure to notice that you or someone you love may be at risk. Maybe you or they are out in the yard, back on the practice or playing field or working a strenuous outdoor job. Heat emergencies happen to everyone. Here are some prevention tactics we can all use to help ourselves and each other:

• Drink water or sports drinks frequently throughout exertion.
• Limit exposure time and/or temperature.
• Schedule tasks/exertion at cooler times of the day, if possible.
• Acclimate. Gradually adapting to heat will reduce the severity of any heat stress. This usually takes 5-10 days.
• Wear loose or lightweight clothing.
• Eat food/snacks that are high in salt content. This will stimulate thirst. 

Heat illness is serious and should be dealt with as such. Don’t ignore the symptoms. The outside humidity and your clothing can increase the risk of developing heat-related illnesses.  So can your age, gender, weight, physical fitness, nutrition, alcohol or drug use, or pre-existing diseases like diabetes. Also, be sure to help those around you. If you see someone experiencing a heat-related emergency:

• Move the person to a shaded area -- or better yet -- to an air-conditioned area.
• Remove excess clothing and equipment.
• Cool the person until core temperature is 101 or less
• Hydrate orally and/or with IV fluids, if available.
• Prop up his/her legs to increase blood return to the heart.
• Monitor vital signs.

Finally, know that it’s always best to call 911 if the condition deteriorates or these is not rapid movement. Know that beyond this type of emergency, Beacon Orthopaedics treats patients of all ages for various injuries and ailments. You can always schedule a diagnostic appointment at any one of the area Beacon locations. If you get injured, you can readily go to one of their Saturday morning injury clinics or urgent care facilities throughout the area.

Go to www.beaconortho.com or call 513-354-3700 to find a nearby Beacon location or to schedule an appointment.