Hot weather and humidity raise body temperature and make it difficult for the body to cool down, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. While there are many factors and certain individuals are more at risk, heat exhaustion is mostly preventable.
"People who should be closely monitored for signs of heat-related illness are those who work outdoors, especially jobs that require physical labor, infants, young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses," said Sam Shen, MD, Associate Director of the St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Department. "We tend to see more people coming into the ERs when the heat comes on quickly because they have not adjusted their lifestyle to the rising temperature.
"It is important to listen to your body and take the proper precautions especially if you at a high risk," Dr. Shen said.
Dr. Shen said in addition to those mentioned above, people with heart or circulatory problems, skin disorders and the obese are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses. People using certain medications, excessive use of alcohol or drug abusers can also be affected.
Feeling the Heat? Know the Signs
Stomach, arm and leg cramps are often the first sign of heat illness, followed by thirst, fatigue and weakness.
Stop your activity, drink water and move to the shade to gently stretch. If you don't feel better within 30 minutes, call your doctor.
Seek immediate help if you or a family member has the following symptoms:
- Skin that's hot and dry, but not sweating.
- Confusion.
- Fainting.
- Vomiting.
- Trouble breathing.
Visit the link below for more tips!
www.southcoast.org/news/releases/2010/070710.html
Fairhaven cancer center takes shape
Construction continues at the Fairhaven flagship site of the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care on Mill Road. The building's skeleton has been completed and interior work has begun.
Check out the new crop of photos we have posted from the site.
www.southcoast.org/cancercare/fairhaven.html
Elizabeth Blanchard, MD, joins Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
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Elizabeth Blanchard, MD
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FALL RIVER, Mass. — Elizabeth Blanchard, MD, a medical oncologist who is board certified in hematology, oncology and internal medicine, has joined the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care in Fall River and North Dartmouth. Dr. Blanchard brings years of clinical research and experience to the South Coast region, including a specialty in lung cancer. The local incidence rate of lung cancer is ranked locally among the highest in the state.
Dr. Blanchard joins Southcoast from St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, where she was an attending physician in hematology/oncology, and as assistant professor at its affiliated medical school, Tufts University School of Medicine.
She received her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a Master of Arts from Villanova University in Villanova, Pa., and a Bachelor of Science from Boston College.
Dr. Blanchard is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Medical Association as well as having served on the Institutional Review Board and the Tufts Compassionate Care Committee since 2007.
Dr. Blanchard will practice at the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care with Therese M. Mulvey, MD, Physician-in-Chief & Medical Oncologist, Teresa Boyle, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Herbert Hansen, MD, Medical Oncologist, Harry Matelski, MD, Medical Oncologist , Todd F. Roberts, MD, MSc., Medical Oncologist, and Mark Shparber, MD, Medical Oncologist.
www.southcoast.org/news/releases/2010/063010.html
