This heat is killing me!

It’s 96 degrees! You’ve just arrived back at Duke from your summer vacation and you’re moving into your new dorm room. After the long air-conditioned car ride, the heat seems especially unbearable. You put your microwave down on the sidewalk to catch your breath. Sweat beads dry up on your forehead. You feel dizzy, stumbling to catch your balance. Your heart beats faster and faster. Your head begins to pound. Is something wrong? Is this a normal headache? What if it’s not? Might you need to be hospitalized?

Research suggests that areas like Duke/Durham could be at risk for an increase in the occurrence of heat stroke – a condition so deadly that 21% of its victims die in hospital and 49% die within 1 year of medical treatment. (Modern 12)

Research performed in Tokyo, Japan may hint that residents of Durham will be facing a rising risk of heat stroke in coming years. Durham and Tokyo, although quite geographically different, both lie near 35N latitude. (U.S. Census) (Falling) The study, performed by Piver et al (911), examined correlations between heat stroke occurrence and the time of year, age and sex of victims, and air pollution. The greatest number of heat stroke cases occurred in July and August. This is precisely the time of year students are traveling back to Duke to end their summer vacations.

Piver et al further conclude that while an increase in temperatures was the main determinant of the number of occurrences of heat stroke, the concentration of the gas NO2 and other air pollutants closely correlated with the number of heat stroke cases requiring hospitalization. NO2, nitrogen dioxide, is a pollutant widely known to be produced by human activities such as traffic and industry. History shows industrial growth and increasing traffic come hand in hand with the growth of population. And the Raleigh/Durham Area population growth has consistently outpaced growth in every other Major Statistical Area (MSA) in North Carolina. The Research Triangle Area is predicted to increase by more than half a million people within the next quarter century. (NC)

These facts beg the question: Are Durham’s cases of heat stroke and heat related-illness set to rise within the next half century? Although the scientists do not explore the possibility of any direct correlation between population and heat stroke occurrence, given the facts of this study, the probability of such a correlation seems likely.

Relax. Heat stroke is easily identifiable and preventable if you are informed. How does it happen? Heat stroke is a failure of the body’s natural cooling system, usually due to a lack of fluids. During intense heat and/or rigorous physical activity internal body heat builds up. Normally the body cools itself through the process of sweating, but in the absence of fluids internal heat may rise to dangerous levels. (Maryland)

If the first signs of heat stroke are recognized, disaster can be avoided. Symptoms of heat stroke include rapid pulse, headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth thirst, abnormally high body temperature, lack of body sweat, confusion, and flushed red-colored skin. The more obvious symptoms of heatstroke include seizures and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a quick killer and can cause permanent bodily damage. It is vitally important that a person suffering from heatstroke receive medical attention immediately. While waiting for medical attention, every possible action should be taken to cool the body temperature of the victim. Try taking him or her to a shady place and pouring cold water on their skin.

It is much wiser and easier to take the appropriate steps to avoid heat stroke than to try and treat it. Possibly the most effective way to battle heat stroke is to keep yourself well hydrated. Drink water or sports drink before, during, and after exposure to extreme heat or rigorous exercise. Shade yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. Buildings and trees often provide shaded space as well. Try to stay in a well-ventilated area so your body can more easily rid itself of sweat. Wear light, loose, clothing composed of light colors, as lighter colors absorb less heat. Finally, when exercising in extreme heat, don’t push yourself too hard. Take breaks frequently to cool down and re-hydrate. Don’t forget these tips your next summer at Duke!

Bibliography:

1. Falling Rain Genomics, Inc. 1998. “Global Gazetteer.” 16 Nov. 2003. http://www.calle.com/world/index.html

2. Maryland, University of. 2003. “Heat Stroke Prevention.” 16 Nov. 2003. http://www.allsands.com/Misc2/heatstrokeprev_ubm_gn.htm

3. Modern Medicine. 1998. “Heat Stroke Patients Have High Death Rates.” Vol 66. pg12.

4. NC Office of State Budget Planning and Management 2000. “Population Growth Rates.”16 Nov. 2003. http://www.researchtriangle.org/data/rates.html

5. Piver, W., Ando, M., Ye, F. Portier, C. 1999. “Temperature and Air Pollution as Risk Factors for Heat Stroke in Tokyo.” Environmental Health Perspectives. Vol 107. pg 911.

6. U.S. Census Bureau. 1990. “U.S Gazetteer.” 16 Nov. 2003.

http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer