April 22nd proclaimed as Heatstroke Prevention Awareness Day
ISHPEMING — The State of Michigan has proclaimed April 22nd as Heatstroke Prevention Awareness Day.
Since 1998, there have been 794 deaths of children from heatstroke nationwide, with 10 of those deaths in Michigan. Last year in the United States alone, 51 children died in vehicles, a 19-percent increase from the year of 2017.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of vehicular non-crash related deaths for children under 14. Although this does affect more individuals than just children.
It can also affect the elderly as well due to age differences, compared to a younger adult, and certain medication that some elderly individuals may be taking.
“Especially with the elderly, if you notice any confusion, nausea, vomiting, muscle fatigue and or if they say their heart feels like it might be racing then you should seek emergency help right away,” said Tina Bambach, Nurse Practitioner at the Hematite health Clinic. “They might not have the reserves that a young person would have in terms of dealing with the heat. So they might need I.V. fluids to help cool them down or a cool bath and that kind of supportive care.”
For more information about Heatstroke you can click here.