Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-07-25
SUNSTOKE.
Its Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Statements OF Assistant Sanitary
Superintendent , anes.


superintendent anes.
Several fatal cases Of sunstroke having
already been reported this season, and there
being danger Of many more if there should
be much hot weather during the summer.
Assistant Sanitary Superintendent James,
OF New York, was applied to recently for
some information on the subject of pros
tratlOn by the heat He said that the term
sunstroke, or insolstion, was commonly ap-
piled to all cases where persons we're seri-
Ously overcome by the heat of the weather
which sometimes occurred at night but
that it was especially likely to take place
when one was exposed to the direct rays Of
the sun, unless there was something to cool
the system by OccaSiOning rapid eyapura-
tiOn from the body. The dryer the air was
the more free was this evaporation, and
therefore the danger of prOStratiun was
greatest on sUltry days, when the air was
filled with moisture. Sunstroke was often
sudden, its effects being congestion Of
the brain, and perhaps of other internal or
guns, together with general nervous ex-
hauStiOn. The more strength and vigor
Il person possessed, the less likely he was
to be Frustrated in this manner, and there
fore old people, children and persons of any
age who were i'll and wearied, were eSprci-
ally liable to be effected by sunSIroke.
Persons vino had been drinking much alco-
holic liquor of any sort. or were in the lab-
it of doing so, were also particularly ex-
posed to this danger.
As to the precautions to be observed in
very hot weather, DR.. James said that the
principal safeguard against injurious eff
fects from the heat was moderation in all
things-in eating, in drinking and in exer-
else. Of course it was desirable to keep in
the shade as much as possible, aud men
who had to work in the sun should keep a
cabbage leaf or wet cloth on the head, in
side the hat. As to diet, there were no
particular rules, except that persons should
eat what agreed with them and was easily
digeSted. The appetite was usually not so
keen in summer as in- winter, and there
was less need of meat or fat. Ice water
could be taken moderately without danger
but when drunk in large quantities it was
very injurious, as it was likely to check
perSpiration too suddenly and cause too
sudden reduction in the temperature of
the stomach. Cold tea was an excellent
summer drink, as it was stimulating and
readily quenched thirst. II a person was
in the habit of taking alcoholic beverages,
claret was as cooling and healthful as any.
In regard to the treatment of persons !
overcome by the heat, DR.. james referred |
to the following circular which was prepar-
ed by the Sanitary Committee of the Board |
Of Health several years ago:
Sunstroke is caused by excessive heat and |
especially if the weather is ''muggy. - = 1t |
Is more apt to occur on the second, third |
or fourth day Of a heated term than on the |
first. Loss of Sleep worry, excitement, |
close sleeping rooms, debility, abuse of /
efir MI RI i
apt to attack those working in the sun and |
especially between the hours of eleven |
o'clock in the morning and four o'clock in
the afternoon. On hot days wear thin
clothing. Have as cool sleeping rooms as
possible. Avoid loss Of sleep and all un-
necessary fatigue. If working indoors. |
and where there is artificial heat-laun- /
dries, etc.-see that the room is we'll Yenti-
lated
If working in the sun, wear light hat
mot black, as it absorbs heat, straw, etc.,
and put inside of it a wet cloth or large |
green leaf; frequently lift the hat from the |
head and see that the cloth is wet. Do
not check perspiration, but drink what
water you need to keep it up, as perspira-
tion prevents the body from being over
heated. Have whenever possible an addi-
tional shade, as a thin umbrella when walk
ing, a canvas or board cover When working
in the sun, When much fatigued do not
go to work, but be excused from work, es-
peeially after II o'clock in the morning on
very hot days, If the work Is in the sun.
II a feeling of fatigue, dizziness, headache
or exhaustion occurs, cease work immedi-
ately, lie down in a shady and cool place;
apply cold cloths to and pour cold water
over head and neck. If any one is over
come by the heat, send Immediately for the
nearest good physician. While waiting for
the physician give the person cool drinks
Of water or cold black tea, or cold coffee if
able toSwallow. If the skin is hot and dry
sponge with or pour cold water over the
body and limbs, and apply to the head
pounded ice wrapped in towel or other
cloth. If there is no ice at hand keep
cold cloth on the head, and pour cold water
on it as we'll as on the body. If the person
is pale, very faint, and pulse feeble let him
inhale ammonia for few seconds, or give
him teaspoonful of aromatic spirits Of
ammonia in two tablespoonfuls of water
with little sugar.