The Big 5! These are important issues today that deal with Medical Readiness. Find out the latest information about these hot topics and also find helpful tools and resources dealing with Medical Readiness and The Big 5!

The Big 5 of Medical Readiness are:       1. Dental Health       2. Behavioral Health       3. Weight Management       4. Injury Prevention       5. Tobacco Cessation

HITS Injury Prevention Articles: June is National Safety Month Prevention of Heat-Related Injuries Mission First, Safety Always! Resources NEWS ITEM: Army Lab Tackles Problem of Military Stress Fractures

By: BethAnn Cameron, M.S., CHES
Directorate of Health Promotion and Wellness, USACHPPM
For immediate release, PR 7-05, March 24, 2005.

Working or playing sports outside in hot weather can lead to heat-related injuries. Whether being deployed, assigned to a training center or doing recreational sports outdoors, Soldiers are faced with a heat threat. Mild symptoms can usually be taken care of with self-care measures but more severe symptoms need medical treatment.

Types and symptoms of heat-related injuries are:
• Dehydration - dizziness, weakness and fatigue, rapid pulse
• Heat Cramps - muscle cramps (in limbs or stomach), excessive sweating (wet skin), thirst.
• Heat Exhaustion -headaches, weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite; nausea, chills, rapid breathing, tingling of hands and feet, confusion.
• Heat Stroke -hot and dry skin, weakness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, seizures, nausea, breathing problems, loss of consciousness.

Sunburn is the most common injury. It causes reddened skin and possibly blisters that can be painful with touch or movement. In snow-covered areas, Soldiers risk sunburn. High, prolonged exposure to sun also increases the risk of cancer and cataract blindness.

When outside in the heat, use self-care measures to prevent the heat injuries.
• Drink water frequently in small amounts even if you are not thirsty. Refill your canteen at every opportunity.
• Do not drink more than 1-1/2 quarts/hour or 12 quarts/day.
• Avoid caffeine beverages. They increase dehydration.
• Maintain good physical condition. Fatigue, illness or being overweight increases risk of heat injury.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate and evaporate the sweat (for cooling).
• Rest. Have minimal physical activity. Sit or stand in the shade, if possible.
• To prevent sunburn, keep the skin covered as much as possible. Wear a sunscreen of a SPF of 15 or higher on exposed parts of the body. Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect the neck and head when possible. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
• Determine the proper work/rest ratios, and water intake using the table from the USACHPPM Web site: http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/doem/pgm34/HIPP/WorkRestTable.jpg

Use these first aid measures for treating heat-related injuries.

Sunburn - Cover the part of the body that is sunburned. Apply cold compresses or lotions for pain relief. Apply calamine lotion to the sunburned area. Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen as directed for pain.
Heat Cramps - Move to the shade or to a cool area. Loosen clothing. Drink at least one canteen of cool water. Get medical attention if cramps continue.
Heat Exhaustion - Move to the shade and loosen clothing. Drink at least a canteen of cool water. Pour water on the exposed skin, and fan to cool. If available, put ice on the neck, arm pits, groin. Elevate the legs. Get medical care for the person if the symptoms continue.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Move to the shade and loosen clothing. Drink water. Cool the body with ice packs or cool water. Elevate the legs and massage the extremities. Get medical help if the symptoms do not clear in 30 minutes.

Know the signs of heat injury. Learn and teach others how to prevent and treat heat injury.

References:

USACHPPM Heat Injury Prevention Fact Sheets and related materials at:
http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/heat/#_MAGD

Field Manual 21-11. First Aid for Soldiers. Washington DC: Department of the Army, 1988
Ramsey ML, Wappes JR. Soothing your summer skin problems. Physician Sportsmed 26(7):75, 1998.
Montain SJ et al. Fluid replacement recommendations for training in hot weather. Military Medicine 164:502, 1999.

SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, U.S. ARMY CENTER FOR HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MARYLAND 21010-5403. For more information, call 410-436-2088/800-222-9698/FAX 410-436-4784