|
Home > Archive > Tourette support > July 2006 > Medications and heat-related illness: caution from the NYS CQC
You are viewing an archived Text-only version of the thread.
To view this thread in it's original format and/or if you want to reply to
this thread please [click here]
| Author |
Medications and heat-related illness: caution from the NYS CQC
|
|
| Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2006-07-21, 8:23 am |
| If you or your child are on medication, and particularly if your child
is out in the heat at summer camp or in a hot school building for
summer school, you may wish to read the following cautionary note from
the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with
Disabilities:
-----
Heat-related illness occurs when one’s body is unable to properly cool
itself, a task normally achieved through sweating. The elderly,
children under the age of four, people with certain chronic illnesses
and individuals on certain medications, including a wide range of
anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-cholinergics and mood
stabilizers, are particularly at risk for heat-related illness, as
their age, disability or medications may compromise their cooling
mechanism. Young, healthy individuals, though, can also develop
heat-related illness if they engage in strenuous activities in hot
weather. Humidity also is a factor contributing to heat-related
illness: when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as
quickly and the body cannot readily release heat. The two major
categories of heat-related illness are heat exhaustion and heat
stroke.
Heat exhaustion occurs when an individual is exposed for a prolonged
period of time to high temperatures without an adequate or balanced
replacement of fluids. Its symptoms may include heavy sweating,
paleness, cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cool moist skin and a
rapid but weak pulse.
Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke wherein the
body is unable to control own temperature: the sweating mechanism
shuts down and the body temperature rapidly rises to over 106 degrees.
Heat stroke shares some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion (dizziness,
nausea, etc.), but others are distinct. There is no sweating, the skin
is hot and dry, the pulse is rapid and strong, and the victim loses
consciousness. Without prompt emergency treatment, heat stroke results
in permanent disability or death. Other less serious forms of
heat-related illness are heat cramps and heat rash (prickly heat).
As an environmentally influenced cause of death, heat-related illness
kills more Americans than hurricanes (pre-Katrina), lightning,
tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Prevention
Heat-related illness is preventable; the key is staying cool and
maintaining proper hydration. The CDC’s National Center for
Environmental Health offers excellent advice on heat related illness,
prevention and treatment on its web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/
Program operators who serve individuals at risk of heat-related
illness, particularly those serving the elderly, infirm or people on
psychotropic medications should visit the CDC’s web site for more
information. Among other things facilities can do to ensure their
clients’ well being in warm weather are:
* Identify individuals who, because of age, medications, physical
ailments, are at risk of heat-related illness.
* Develop a heat policy for implementation when outside
temperatures reach 80 degrees and ensure that all staff is aware of
the policy.
* Ensure that areas of the facility in which clients can be
accommodated are air conditioned, if not all rooms are
air-conditioned. In other areas, use ventilation systems and fans to
keep air circulating. Note, however, that fans are not effective in
preventing heat-related illness when temperatures are in the upper
90s.
* Close windows and blinds/shades on sun-exposed walls, open
windows on shaded walls, turn off heat generating devices.
* Encourage clients to avail themselves of cooler spots within the
facility, or out in the community, i.e., air conditioned malls,
libraries, movie theaters, etc.
* Ensure that clients have access to and are encouraged to drink
fluids. Discourage the intake of caffeinated products, alcohol or
overly sweet beverages.
* Adjust menus, incorporating cold servings and food items that
are rich in water, e.g. fruits, salads, etc.
* Encourage clients to dress in light clothing and to avoid
vigorous activities.
* Monitor clients for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
Promptly seek medical attention when an individual displays signs and
symptoms suggesting heat-related illness.
-------
A copy of this alert is available at
http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/actionalerts072006.htm
| |
|
|
"Leslie E. Packer, PhD" <admin_nospam@tourettesyndrome.net> wrote in message
news:tof1c25jinj4nu4o3n85fm75f554uvhad4@4ax.com...
> If you or your child are on medication, and particularly if your child
> is out in the heat at summer camp or in a hot school building for
> summer school, you may wish to read the following cautionary note from
> the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with
> Disabilities:
>
> -----
> Heat-related illness occurs when one's body is unable to properly cool
> itself, a task normally achieved through sweating. The elderly,
> children under the age of four, people with certain chronic illnesses
> and individuals on certain medications, including a wide range of
> anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-cholinergics and mood
> stabilizers, are particularly at risk for heat-related illness, as
> their age, disability or medications may compromise their cooling
> mechanism. Young, healthy individuals, though, can also develop
> heat-related illness if they engage in strenuous activities in hot
> weather. Humidity also is a factor contributing to heat-related
> illness: when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as
> quickly and the body cannot readily release heat. The two major
> categories of heat-related illness are heat exhaustion and heat
> stroke.
>
> Heat exhaustion occurs when an individual is exposed for a prolonged
> period of time to high temperatures without an adequate or balanced
> replacement of fluids. Its symptoms may include heavy sweating,
> paleness, cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cool moist skin and a
> rapid but weak pulse.
>
> Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke wherein the
> body is unable to control own temperature: the sweating mechanism
> shuts down and the body temperature rapidly rises to over 106 degrees.
> Heat stroke shares some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion (dizziness,
> nausea, etc.), but others are distinct. There is no sweating, the skin
> is hot and dry, the pulse is rapid and strong, and the victim loses
> consciousness. Without prompt emergency treatment, heat stroke results
> in permanent disability or death. Other less serious forms of
> heat-related illness are heat cramps and heat rash (prickly heat).
>
> As an environmentally influenced cause of death, heat-related illness
> kills more Americans than hurricanes (pre-Katrina), lightning,
> tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined, according to the Centers
> for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
>
> Prevention
>
> Heat-related illness is preventable; the key is staying cool and
> maintaining proper hydration. The CDC's National Center for
> Environmental Health offers excellent advice on heat related illness,
> prevention and treatment on its web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/
>
> Program operators who serve individuals at risk of heat-related
> illness, particularly those serving the elderly, infirm or people on
> psychotropic medications should visit the CDC's web site for more
> information. Among other things facilities can do to ensure their
> clients' well being in warm weather are:
>
> * Identify individuals who, because of age, medications, physical
> ailments, are at risk of heat-related illness.
> * Develop a heat policy for implementation when outside
> temperatures reach 80 degrees and ensure that all staff is aware of
> the policy.
> * Ensure that areas of the facility in which clients can be
> accommodated are air conditioned, if not all rooms are
> air-conditioned. In other areas, use ventilation systems and fans to
> keep air circulating. Note, however, that fans are not effective in
> preventing heat-related illness when temperatures are in the upper
> 90s.
> * Close windows and blinds/shades on sun-exposed walls, open
> windows on shaded walls, turn off heat generating devices.
> * Encourage clients to avail themselves of cooler spots within the
> facility, or out in the community, i.e., air conditioned malls,
> libraries, movie theaters, etc.
> * Ensure that clients have access to and are encouraged to drink
> fluids. Discourage the intake of caffeinated products, alcohol or
> overly sweet beverages.
> * Adjust menus, incorporating cold servings and food items that
> are rich in water, e.g. fruits, salads, etc.
> * Encourage clients to dress in light clothing and to avoid
> vigorous activities.
> * Monitor clients for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
>
> Promptly seek medical attention when an individual displays signs and
> symptoms suggesting heat-related illness.
>
> -------
>
> A copy of this alert is available at
> http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/actionalerts072006.htm
Hi Leslie,
Thanks so much for posting this. What timing, given the recent weather New
England has been having! I was on Cape Cod this past week, (taking a
neuropsychology course and spending time with Jake on the beaches of the
outer Cape) and I had rented a cabin w/o air-conditioning. It was *so* hot
and I don't think I stopped sweating for 5 days! Despite drinking tons of
water and some gatorade, I got rather weak. Came home a day or two
early....despite the wonderful romps on the beach from 5pm-8 or so each
night, it was too much humidity.....
This is excellent info and important to know the difference between heat
stroke and heat exhaustion, and how to recognize the signs.....
Keep up the good work.
Keep in touch!
Jo
| |
| inventing 2006-07-21, 4:24 pm |
| As usual, thank you for your posting. Important and timely.
KC
"Leslie E. Packer, PhD" <admin_nospam@tourettesyndrome.net> wrote in message
news:tof1c25jinj4nu4o3n85fm75f554uvhad4@4ax.com...
> If you or your child are on medication, and particularly if your child
> is out in the heat at summer camp or in a hot school building for
> summer school, you may wish to read the following cautionary note from
> the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with
> Disabilities:
>
> -----
> Heat-related illness occurs when one's body is unable to properly cool
> itself, a task normally achieved through sweating. The elderly,
> children under the age of four, people with certain chronic illnesses
> and individuals on certain medications, including a wide range of
> anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-cholinergics and mood
> stabilizers, are particularly at risk for heat-related illness, as
> their age, disability or medications may compromise their cooling
> mechanism. Young, healthy individuals, though, can also develop
> heat-related illness if they engage in strenuous activities in hot
> weather. Humidity also is a factor contributing to heat-related
> illness: when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as
> quickly and the body cannot readily release heat. The two major
> categories of heat-related illness are heat exhaustion and heat
> stroke.
>
> Heat exhaustion occurs when an individual is exposed for a prolonged
> period of time to high temperatures without an adequate or balanced
> replacement of fluids. Its symptoms may include heavy sweating,
> paleness, cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cool moist skin and a
> rapid but weak pulse.
>
> Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke wherein the
> body is unable to control own temperature: the sweating mechanism
> shuts down and the body temperature rapidly rises to over 106 degrees.
> Heat stroke shares some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion (dizziness,
> nausea, etc.), but others are distinct. There is no sweating, the skin
> is hot and dry, the pulse is rapid and strong, and the victim loses
> consciousness. Without prompt emergency treatment, heat stroke results
> in permanent disability or death. Other less serious forms of
> heat-related illness are heat cramps and heat rash (prickly heat).
>
> As an environmentally influenced cause of death, heat-related illness
> kills more Americans than hurricanes (pre-Katrina), lightning,
> tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined, according to the Centers
> for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
>
> Prevention
>
> Heat-related illness is preventable; the key is staying cool and
> maintaining proper hydration. The CDC's National Center for
> Environmental Health offers excellent advice on heat related illness,
> prevention and treatment on its web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/
>
> Program operators who serve individuals at risk of heat-related
> illness, particularly those serving the elderly, infirm or people on
> psychotropic medications should visit the CDC's web site for more
> information. Among other things facilities can do to ensure their
> clients' well being in warm weather are:
>
> * Identify individuals who, because of age, medications, physical
> ailments, are at risk of heat-related illness.
> * Develop a heat policy for implementation when outside
> temperatures reach 80 degrees and ensure that all staff is aware of
> the policy.
> * Ensure that areas of the facility in which clients can be
> accommodated are air conditioned, if not all rooms are
> air-conditioned. In other areas, use ventilation systems and fans to
> keep air circulating. Note, however, that fans are not effective in
> preventing heat-related illness when temperatures are in the upper
> 90s.
> * Close windows and blinds/shades on sun-exposed walls, open
> windows on shaded walls, turn off heat generating devices.
> * Encourage clients to avail themselves of cooler spots within the
> facility, or out in the community, i.e., air conditioned malls,
> libraries, movie theaters, etc.
> * Ensure that clients have access to and are encouraged to drink
> fluids. Discourage the intake of caffeinated products, alcohol or
> overly sweet beverages.
> * Adjust menus, incorporating cold servings and food items that
> are rich in water, e.g. fruits, salads, etc.
> * Encourage clients to dress in light clothing and to avoid
> vigorous activities.
> * Monitor clients for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
>
> Promptly seek medical attention when an individual displays signs and
> symptoms suggesting heat-related illness.
>
> -------
>
> A copy of this alert is available at
> http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/actionalerts072006.htm
| |
| Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2006-07-22, 4:22 pm |
| On Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:04:46 -0700, "inventing" <stracman@comcast.net>
wrote:
>As usual, thank you for your posting. Important and timely.
>KC
Hi, inventing and Jo,
You're both welcome. The heat has been brutal here, too, so I was
glad to see the CQC publish a caution. Most summer camps are pretty
good about getting the kids out of the hot sun in extreme weather, but
may not realize that some kids are going to need removal to a cooler
area sooner.
I wish that the CQC's alert also went to schools. A friend of mine
sent a query to them asking them to contact the State education Dept.
to ask them to disseminate it, but it's not just a state-level issue,
so maybe I'll try to get it disseminated nationally.... in my spare
time, of course... lol.
In the meantime, feel free to repost or disseminate the post to
whomever might find it helpful.
On another matter: Tracy Haerle (now Tracy Marsh), author of Children
with Tourette Syndrome (Woodbine, 1992) is finishing up her second
edition of her book and got in touch with me, as she's looking for
parents who might want to make statements/quotes that could be used at
the end of the various chapters in her book. The quotes would not be
attributed by name. She's also looking for photos of kids with TS
doing things like working in school, playing with family, etc.
I don't know if either or both of you know Tracy personally, but I've
known her for years now and if you need it, I can vouch for her, as we
both worked together for a while on the national TSA Education
Committee (we both quit it for similar reasons) and we were both
active grassroots advocates. She (and Marilynn Kaplan, who I also
miss) was an active education advocate locally for the Minnesota TSA
chapter, and brought an educational team from MN out to NYS years ago
to see our special school program for gifted students with TS. If
either of you or anyone you know from the TS community online or
offline wants to contribute to her book, you can email her at
tlmarsh[at]charter.net.
Inventing: I had specifically suggested to Tracy that she try to
reach you because of everything your daughter's been through and her
fabulous accomplishments, but of course, I didn't have your email
address handy and Tracy couldn't figure out how to post to usenet to
post a message here. Your daughter might even want to contribute
some quotes about self-advocacy in school, etc. She's done such an
amazing job.
Cheers,
Leslie
| |
|
|
"Leslie E. Packer, PhD" <admin_nospam@tourettesyndrome.net> wrote in message
news:3ke4c2ll0q53h7dsv6b4s8bc01qbasdheq@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:04:46 -0700, "inventing" <stracman@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>
> Hi, inventing and Jo,
>
> You're both welcome. The heat has been brutal here, too, so I was
> glad to see the CQC publish a caution. Most summer camps are pretty
> good about getting the kids out of the hot sun in extreme weather, but
> may not realize that some kids are going to need removal to a cooler
> area sooner.
>
> I wish that the CQC's alert also went to schools. A friend of mine
> sent a query to them asking them to contact the State education Dept.
> to ask them to disseminate it, but it's not just a state-level issue,
> so maybe I'll try to get it disseminated nationally.... in my spare
> time, of course... lol.
>
> In the meantime, feel free to repost or disseminate the post to
> whomever might find it helpful.
>
> On another matter: Tracy Haerle (now Tracy Marsh), author of Children
> with Tourette Syndrome (Woodbine, 1992) is finishing up her second
> edition of her book and got in touch with me, as she's looking for
> parents who might want to make statements/quotes that could be used at
> the end of the various chapters in her book. The quotes would not be
> attributed by name. She's also looking for photos of kids with TS
> doing things like working in school, playing with family, etc.
>
> I don't know if either or both of you know Tracy personally, but I've
> known her for years now and if you need it, I can vouch for her, as we
> both worked together for a while on the national TSA Education
> Committee (we both quit it for similar reasons) and we were both
> active grassroots advocates. She (and Marilynn Kaplan, who I also
> miss) was an active education advocate locally for the Minnesota TSA
> chapter, and brought an educational team from MN out to NYS years ago
> to see our special school program for gifted students with TS. If
> either of you or anyone you know from the TS community online or
> offline wants to contribute to her book, you can email her at
> tlmarsh[at]charter.net.
>
> Inventing: I had specifically suggested to Tracy that she try to
> reach you because of everything your daughter's been through and her
> fabulous accomplishments, but of course, I didn't have your email
> address handy and Tracy couldn't figure out how to post to usenet to
> post a message here. Your daughter might even want to contribute
> some quotes about self-advocacy in school, etc. She's done such an
> amazing job.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Leslie
>
I've already sent the heat info along....thanks again.
Good to hear about Tracy! In it's time, that was a great book - I'm glad to
hear she's updating it. Please tell her I say hello.
Jo
>
>
>
| |
| inventing 2006-07-22, 4:22 pm |
|
"Leslie E. Packer, PhD" >
> Inventing: I had specifically suggested to Tracy that she try to
> reach you because of everything your daughter's been through and her
> fabulous accomplishments, but of course, I didn't have your email
> address handy and Tracy couldn't figure out how to post to usenet to
> post a message here. Your daughter might even want to contribute
> some quotes about self-advocacy in school, etc. She's done such an
> amazing job.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Leslie
>
>
>
>
Thank you. I will try to contact Tracy myself. And I am certain my
daughter would be pleased to contribute.
Self-advocacy is her special interest, not just for young people with TS,
but for the full range of disabilities.
Thank you for the suggestion.
By the way, I know you are hot in the NE, but check out the NW. This heat
isn't supposed to happen here!
At the same time, it is such a treat for us. No one lets the rain stop them
from doing anything and everything,
so why should we let a few 100+ days get to us! Bring it on!
still inventing, KC
| |
| SOandSO@webtv.net 2006-07-23, 2:26 am |
| Ms Leslie thanks for that article. Living in Fl. I can't be in the sun
b/c cause I am prone to skin C, I go for the mail after sun down.
I am 91 and have Tourette now I know that the Heat is not good for me
also, thanks to you,
Fay
| |
| Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2006-07-23, 4:23 pm |
| On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 23:09:07 -0400, SOandSO@webtv.net wrote:
>Ms Leslie thanks for that article. Living in Fl. I can't be in the sun
>b/c cause I am prone to skin C, I go for the mail after sun down.
> I am 91 and have Tourette now I know that the Heat is not good for me
>also, thanks to you,
>Fay
Nice to meet you, Ms. Fay, and I'm glad you found the article helpful.
Leslie
| |
| Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2006-07-23, 4:23 pm |
| On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 08:35:59 -0700, "inventing" <stracman@comcast.net>
wrote:
>
>"Leslie E. Packer, PhD" >
>Thank you. I will try to contact Tracy myself. And I am certain my
>daughter would be pleased to contribute.
>Self-advocacy is her special interest, not just for young people with TS,
>but for the full range of disabilities.
>Thank you for the suggestion.
You're welcome... I think Tracy's book will be enhanced by the sharing
of different types of experiences and perspectives.
>By the way, I know you are hot in the NE, but check out the NW. This heat
>isn't supposed to happen here!
Too much red on the weather map!
>At the same time, it is such a treat for us. No one lets the rain stop them
>from doing anything and everything,
>so why should we let a few 100+ days get to us! Bring it on!
>still inventing, KC
>
I think I could tolerate the rain better than the heat. I've been
apologizing profusely to the plants in my garden, which are all
just... wilting. And the lovely red geraniums in my window boxes just
shriveled right up.
Leslie
|
| |
|
|