NALC Branch 193

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The Heat and Your Heart

Hot Temperatures Especially Deadly for Those With Heart Conditions

elderly man sweating, heat stroke
GSO Images, Getty Images

As record-setting temperatures continue to plague the country, everyone is feeling the effects of the heat and humidity. But victims of heart disease are especially vulnerable when temperatures climb.

"It's a very hot and risky summer," says Dr. Alfred Bove, immediate past president of the American College of Cardiology and professor emeritus at Temple University School of Medicine.

He warns heart patients to be especially careful.

"Think of the skin as a radiator," he explains. "When the temperature gets too high, the only way for the body to evaporate heat is to sweat."

In order to power perspiration, the heart works extra hard to pump blood. And sweating reduces blood volume.

The resulting dehydration puts a strain on the heart, says Dr. Joel Fletcher, professor of medicine-cardiovascular diseases at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Florida. Healthy individuals can manage the extra strain, but heart patients can't, particularly if they're on medications, such as diuretics.

"Diuretics deplete the body's sodium," Fletcher says. "You need to drink fluids that replenish that sodium."

Gatorade is a good example of a replenishing liquid.

Bove says heart patients should also talk to their doctors about reducing medication dosages during the hot months. Exposure to high temperatures will decrease blood pressure and increase the likelihood of dehydration, leaving patients vulnerable to heat stroke.

"Heat stroke occurs when your circulatory system goes completely out of whack," Bove says.

Symptoms include high fever, rapid pulse, nausea and pounding headaches. If not treated promptly, heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or death.

Thus, it's important to recognize when you've had too much heat. Common signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

Excessive perspiration
Dizziness
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headaches

If you experience any of these symptoms while out in the hot sun, take a break and cool off.

"Heat exhaustion is easy to repair," Bove says, pointing out that going into a cool environment and getting fluids into your body will usually cure it pretty quickly.

But that's not the case with heat stroke. The best advice is to protect yourself. If you've been diagnosed with heart disease, take the following precautions:

Avoid going outside at the hottest points of the day.
Select a shady or breezy area if you want to exercise or work outside. Or work in the early morning or evening when temperatures are less extreme. Even better, go to a gym to exercise.
Stay well hydrated and drink periodically while you're exercising or working.
Wear lightweight clothing.
Find a public place with AC that you can visit during the hottest points of the day if you don't have air conditioning at home.
Make sure you have someone with you when you're outside -- a friend or family member who will notice if you're exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion.

Fletcher does advise against foregoing all activity in hot weather, as it's important for your health to stay active.

"Just listen to your body," he says. "Let your body be your guide and exercise with someone who can help you if you start to feel badly."

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Keeping letter carriers safe on the job, H1N1 Information

H1N1 flu (swine flu)

News and rumors about the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), commonly referred to as swine flu, are everywhere, but it's important to get the facts about what is going on. The World Health Organization is updating their website daily to help you keep informed on the situation both in the United States and in other countries. You can find their updates here.

Below are links to topic pages on several web sites with more information that you may find useful:

Postal Service Interim 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) Influenza Outbreak Guidance

The Postal Service is establishing interim measures to be taken by management and employees based upon the presence or absence of H1N1 influenza cases in the immediate community and among employees or their families. These mitigation measures are based upon the current advice regarding the influenza outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other responsible federal agencies. (PDF)

Pandemic Flu Cleaning Contingency Maintenance Management Order (MMO)

This Maintenance Management Order (MMO) supersedes MMO-129-06 and provides updated
guidance regarding additional disinfecting procedures required at any facility located in an area
experiencing an influenza pandemic. (PDF)

Use of Surgical Masks During the H1N1 (formerly swine flu) Outbreaks

The Postal Service will provide surgical masks when available. Use of a mask is only a part of what you should be doing to avoid influenza. Frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with other persons at work and home, are equally or more important in avoiding disease. (PDF)

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PPO Network Providers/Cigna HealthCare 1-877-220-6252
(To confirm your provider’s participation or to locate a hospital)

Pre-certify a Hospital Admission 1-877-220-6265
(Prior to your medical hospitalization, pre-certify to avoid a penalty)

24-Hour Nurse Help Line 1-877-220-6265
(To speak with a registered nurse regarding medical needs)

Prescription Services / CVS / CareMark 1-800-933-6265
(To locate network retail pharmacies, request mail order refills or to check the status of an order)

Please Note: Open Season dates for 2009 are tentatively schedule for November 9-December 7.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s

MILLION MILE AWARD RECIPIENTS!

On Friday June 12th the Postal Service recognized eleven Branch 193 members and
Driver Instructor Bob Neitro as the newest members of the National Safety Council's
Million Mile Club. These members have driven postal vehicles for over thirty years
without an "at fault" accident. They have demonstrated a commitment to their safety
and the safety of those around them as they went about the delivery of the mail.
Paying attention to your surroundings and focusing on safety were the main reasons
given for their success. Congratulations to all who received this award. We are proud of you.

Top Row: Danny Laffan Branch 193 President , Mel Taira, Ben Navarrete, Bonafacio Yabut & Roger Hanson

Bottom Row: Sammy Vasquez Postmaster San Jose, Mike Francisco, Joe Rosa, Joe Lozano

Bonafacio Yabut & Mike Francisco - Westgate Driver Instructor Bob Neitro Former Branch 193 member

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With Summer approaching, PLEASE READ these articles on Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.

The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and the body is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.

The population most susceptible to hear strokes are infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or on certain medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), and athletes, or outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.

Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated, and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and Gatorade), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, coffee, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats, and light colored, and light and loose clothes.

Introduction to Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness. However some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.

If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion treatment

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Driving Defensively

More than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year and over two million more suffer disabling injuries, according to the National Safety Council. The triple threat of high speeds, impaired or careless driving and not using occupant restraints threatens every driver—regardless of how careful or how skilled. Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other guy." The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road.

Always wear your safety belt when driving and insist that your passengers wear a safety belt, too. Wearing a safety belt is required by law in every state, except New Hampshire. In some states, passengers also are required by law to wear a safety belt.

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SAFETY & HEALTH

The Heat and Your Heart

Hot Temperatures Especially Deadly for Those With Heart Conditions

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s

MILLION MILE AWARD RECIPIENTS!

Top Row: Danny Laffan Branch 193 President , Mel Taira, Ben Navarrete, Bonafacio Yabut & Roger Hanson

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With Summer approaching, PLEASE READ these articles on Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Introduction to Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Heat Exhaustion treatment

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Driving Defensively

Speed

Intersections

Passing

Know Your Environment

Maintain Your Vehicle