July - August 2004 - Tower - Page 3

Notes from the Parish Nurse

Bette Jones, RN

LIGHTNING
If you are outdoors and see lightning, count the seconds until thunder sounds. If you hear thunder before you count to 30, take cover in a sturdy building or car. Stay away from trees or other tall isolated objects. If indoors, don't talk on a corded phone or take a shower. Lightning can travel through wires and pipes.

MOSQUITOES
Some carry the West Nile Virus that causes inflammation to the brain. Get rid of standing water. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk; Wear light colored clothes and use insect repellent. Citronella candles do nothing.

PICNIC FOOD
Potato salad and chicken cause the most problems. If bringing food from home, keep it in a cooler in a shaded area until ready to use. If grilling outdoors, make sure the food is fully cooked. Wash fruits and vegetables before heading out; their skins may be contaminated with bacteria. DO NOT EXPOSE FOOD FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT REFRIGERATION.

SWIMMING
Never swim unsupervised: Lifeguards are there to protect adults and children; expose children to a pool before introducing them to the ocean. Strong waves can overwhelm a small child. If caught in a rip current, swim WITH THE CURRENT. Never try to fight the force of a current.

SUN DAMAGE
Most ultraviolet - light damage that causes skin cancer is done before age 18; regardless, everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher - even on cloudy days. See a doctor if skin changes are evident such as in the size, shape, color or feel of an existing mole. It may be black, abnormal or "ugly looking". Most skin cancers can be cured if found EARLY.

DEHYDRATION
Dehydration is a loss of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium; vital organs like the kidneys, brain and heart can't function without a certain minimum of salt and water. Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun. Take more fluid than you are losing. Try to schedule physical or outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance. OUR ELDERLY ARE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO DEHYDRATION AND SHOULD BE MONITORED CLOSELY.

HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat related illness and is life threatening. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. Prevention: drink water and sports drinks; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as they can lead to dehydration. Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose fitting clothing in light colors. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times in the day.

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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.

Last update:July 6, 2004