Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
Heat stroke is one of the leading causes of death among children. “People must remember that temperatures of cars are very deceiving,” explains Dr. Wendi El-Amin, a family medicine physician at SIU Center for Family Medicine. “One of the greatest tragedies reported in the media each year involve children who are left in cars and die. Approximately 37 children pass away every year from this preventable tragedy.”

Children are especially at risk because their bodies overheat approximately five times faster than an adult body. Even with the windows cracked, a vehicle can reach 125° F in minutes. In fact, 80% of the increase in temperature occurs within the first 10 minutes, according to KidsAndCars.org. And it doesn’t need to be 90° out for heat stroke to occur— children have died from heatstroke in cars in temperatures as low as 60°.
See how fast your vehicle can heat up in 80° weather.
While you may think to yourself, I’d never leave my child in a car on a hot summer day, even just a few minutes can lead to a dangerous situation. Experts remind parents to be especially careful during busy times, moments of crisis or schedule changes.
Here are six ways you can help prevent another tragedy this summer:
1. Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle, even for just a minute.
2. Put something you’ll need, such as you cell phone or purse, in the backseat with your child. Or, keep a large stuffed animal in your child’s car seat anytime it’s unoccupied. When your child is in the car, move the stuffed animal to the front seat. It will serve as a visual reminder that your child is in the backseat.
3. Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when it’s parked in the garage or driveway, and keep the keys to your vehicle out of your children’s reach. This will prevent your children from playing in your car and accidentally getting locked in.
4. If a child is missing, immediately check vehicles, including trunks.
5. If you see a child alone in a vehicle and they seem distressed, get involved. Start by getting them out of the car as quickly as possible, and then call 911.
6. Think ahead: use drive through services whenever they’re available, and pay at the pump instead of going inside the gas station.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
Whether you’re visiting the local waterpark, playing sports outdoors, working in your garden or resting in a car on a warm summer day, hot temperatures could spell a heat-related illness like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. While heat stroke and heat exhaustion both exist on a spectrum, the illnesses manifest themselves quite differently, and one could be fatal. Do you know the differences?
HEAT EXHAUSTION
What is it?
The body is able to cool itself by sweating, but if sweating is unable to dissipate the heat generated within the body, heat exhaustion can occur. Often dehydration will also occur because the affected individual hasn’t replaced the water lost through sweating.
Symptoms include:
Profuse sweating
Weakness
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Lightheadedness
Muscle cramps
Treatment:
Move to a cooler environment
Rehydrate with water or a sports drink
If you are unable to keep water down due to vomiting, intravenous fluids may be necessary

HEAT STROKE
What is it?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, meaning the body temperature is dramatically elevated to 104 degrees F or higher. If not treated promptly or properly, it can lead to death.
Symptoms include:
High body temperature
No sweating with hot red or flushed, dry skin
Rapid pulse
Difficulty breathing
Strange behavior
Confusion
Hallucinations and disorientation
Agitation
Seizure and/or coma
How to treat it:
Always call 911 if heat stroke is suspected.
Get the affected person to a shaded area, remove his/her clothing, apply cool water to the skin and place ice packs under the armpits and groin.
If the person is able to drink, give them cool water or other cool beverages that do not contain caffeine or alcohol.
Monitor his/her body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temp drops to 101-102 degrees F.
Prevent heat-related illnesses
“It is critical to stay hydrated during the summer months,” advises Dr. Wendy El-Amin, a family medicine physician at SIU School of Medicine. “Consider hydrating yourself before becoming physically active outside in the heat and replenishing yourself with water every 20 minutes.”
It’s also important to be aware of which populations are most susceptible to heat related illnesses. “Our most vulnerable populations affected by heat stroke and heat exhaustion are children below the age of 4 and adults older than 65,” explains Dr. El-Amin.
The family medicine physician also reminds people to be aware of certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, that place people at a higher risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
Research has long touted the benefits of exercise:
– Helps control weight
– Prevents health conditions (i.e., high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.)
– Improves longevity
– Improves sexual response
– Promotes better sleep
– Boosts energy
– Improves self-image
But did you know that regular exercise can also improve mood? According to Jeanné Hansen, a mental health counselor at SIU School of Medicine, maintaining an active lifestyle not only prevents health conditions like high blood pressure, it can also prevent and treat anxiety and depression. That’s great news because chances are, you or someone you know experiences anxiety or depression. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety is the most common health problem in the world.
The Anxiety and Depression Association estimates that nearly 40 million US adults, 18% of the population, live with an anxiety disorder. Depression is predicted to be the second major cause of major ill health worldwide by 2020. People seeking treatment for anxiety and depression have long sought pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, but research suggests exercise may be just as effective as these traditional treatments.
“Not only are people who exercise regularly less likely to develop depression than those who don’t, a great deal of research has shown that exercise can reduce the severity of depression and anxiety,” Hansen explains.
Hansen cautions those in search of a quick fix through exercise, however. “It can take several weeks for our mood to feel the positive effects of exercise. While medications can offer relief more quickly than physical activity, exercise has been reported to be just as effective as some medications at 12 weeks, and in some cases, even more effective nearly a year later.”
So, what makes exercise an effective treatment for anxiety and depression? Hansen explains that physical activity can often provide a much-needed distraction. “Anxiety and depression tend to get worse when we ruminate about how badly we feel or the things that are contributing to the depression and anxiety, so exercise can encourage and allow us to get out of our own heads and focus on something else.” Exercise can also generate increased serotonin levels, improve sleep and increase noradrenalin.
Interested in adding some heart-pumping workouts into your routine? Hansen suggests:
– Start by setting reasonable, attainable goals
– Make working out a healthy habit by exercising 3-4 per week
– Keeping an activity diary
– Seek out a support system, like a mental health counselor. Research suggests brief, supportive follow-up can increase adherence by 25%.
“Working out doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon. It can be as simple and enjoyable as playing a physically active game with the kids or taking the dog for a walk. Find something you enjoy that raises your heart rate a bit and get active.”
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Men are notorious for putting off health screenings and routine physical exams. We joke about their reluctance to seek medical treatment, but it’s not, according to physicians, a laughing matter.
“It’s a common notion that men are reluctant patients,” says SIU urologist Dr. Kevin McVary. “Often it’s the spouse or family member who brings them in. In fact, most men’s appointments are made by their spouses.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, men are also more likely than women to smoke, drink alcohol and make other unhealthy choices. These poor lifestyle choices can lead to health problems such as diabetes, infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite advice from medical professionals, men are also less likely to adopt preventative measures to avoid certain health risks. The result of these bad behaviors: cancer and heart disease rank as the top two killers of American men.
Wondering what types of check-ups and screenings you or your loved one should be getting? Check out this chart by the Men’s Health Network.
This week is men’s health week. Perhaps it’s also the week that you make an appointment with your physician for that screening or exam you’ve been putting off. Or perhaps it’s the week to make a not-so-subtle hint to the man in your life.
It may indeed take something wrong with the penis to get a man to see a doctor, but men who take greater control of their lifestyle and pay attention to their bodies’ signals can have a dramatic, positive influence on their health — long before it reaches a level of emergency.
Read aspects magazine for more articles on the ways SIU is helping men toward optimum health by addressing and treating their urological problems, prostate cancer and sexual health.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
An average of 37 people are killed due to lightning strikes each year. In support of National Lightning Safety Awareness Month, we’re busting the most popular lightning myths.
Myth or fact: Metal found in items such as jewelry, cell phones or watches can attract lightning.
Myth. According to the NOAA, the presence of metal does not determine where lightning strikes. Rather, lightning is attracted to tall, pointy, isolated structures. For example, mountains are made of stone but are struck many times each year. While metal does not attract lightning, it is important to note that metal does conduct, so stay away from metal fences, bleachers and other objects containing metal.
Myth or fact: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Myth. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if the object is tall, pointy and isolated. For example, the Empire State Building is struck nearly 100 times each year.
Myth or fact: If there aren’t clouds overhead or if it’s not raining, you’re safe from lightning.
Myth. Lightning often strikes within three miles of the center of the thunderstorm, far outside rain or thunderstorm clouds. Though less common, lightning can strike up to 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.
Myth or fact: The rubber on your vehicle’s tires will protect you from lightning.
Myth. While it’s true that most cars are safe from lightning, it isn’t the rubber tires that protect you, says the NOAA. It’s actually the car’s metal roof and sides that shield you from the effects of lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it travels through the metal frame and into the ground. So, during a thunderstorm, stay inside your vehicle and avoid leaning on any car doors!
Myth or fact: It’s unsafe to touch a victim who has been struck by lightning; you’ll get shocked.
Myth. The human body will not store electricity, so following a lightning strike, it’s completely safe to give the victim first aid, such as CPR.
Myth or fact: You’re 100% safe from lightning if you are in a house.
Myth. Houses are one of the safest places to be during a thunderstorm, but if you’re touching or using anything that conducts electricity, such as corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing or metal doors and windows, you are at risk of being shocked. You may have also heard that you should stay away from windows. According to the NOAA, this is good advice for two reasons: First, in a nasty thunderstorm, high winds can blow objects into windows and break them; and secondly, in older homes, lightning can come in the cracks in the sides of windows.
To learn more about how to best protect yourself from lightning strikes, visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/index.shtml.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
June is the busiest month for travel. Whether you and your family are heading to the Indonesia or Iowa, following a few simple tips will keep you safe and healthy so that you can make the most of your trip.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the following recommendations for travelers:
Be Proactive
Learn about your destination – Are there health risks or safety concerns there? For example, some areas of the world are more prone to severe weather or natural disasters. If you’re traveling abroad, be aware of the cuisine of other cultures and certain foods that might make you sick.
See your physician before traveling – A doctor who is familiar with travel medicine can inform you of any vaccines that you or your family members may need. Additionally, you may want to seek advice on medications that help with motion sickness if you plan to travel by car or boat.
Share information – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) suggests letting your neighbors and family members know your vacation dates and location. Give them a list of travel information such as flight times, hotels names and contact numbers. Designate a family member or friend at home to be the contact person in the event that your travel party gets separated. If disaster strikes your vacation location and you have internet access, register at the American Red Cross website www.safeandwell.org so family and friends will know that you are safe.
If traveling internationally, register with the US Department of State through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) enables the State Department to better assist US travelers in an emergency
Be Prepared
It’s all in the suitcase – IEMA suggests packing an emergency supply kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, flashlight and a small battery-operated radio in case you find yourself in an unfortunate disaster. Pack extra supplies of critical items such as prescriptions and baby formula in case you are delayed. And don’t forget general medications in case you get sick.
Be protected
Be aware of your health – Follow the same guidelines about your health that you should at home: wear sunscreen, limit alcohol intake, don’t drink and drive, follow food safety, wear a seatbelt, wear protective gear if activities warrant, follow laws and customs of the place you are visiting. If you happen to feel ill while traveling, find a doctor who can help. If traveling internationally, you can call your embassy to obtain a list of qualified, English-speaking providers.
To learn more http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Do you feel like you’re constantly forgetting things: names, items on the grocery list, mailing a bill?
Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging that we often attribute to stress or pass off with a joke that Dad is “having a senior moment.” But sometimes forgetting can be the sign of more serious issues, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that results in impaired memory and thinking. A 2006 MetLife Foundation survey found that those aged 55 and older feared Alzheimer’s second only to cancer. And for good reason! By age 85, half of us will develop Alzheimer’s.
SIU Neuropsychologist Ronald Zec, PhD, associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine, gives some tips to keep your brain healthy:
1. Social interaction – stay connected, tell stories and share memories with others.
2. Sleep – a rested mind is able to react and remember more clearly.
3. Exercise – What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.
4. Cognitive Activity – use it or lose it. Crossword puzzles, reading and learning new skills keep the mind active and healthy.
5. Give up the toxins – smoking and alcohol negatively affect the body and the brain.
If someone you know is suffering from serious memory problems and needs help, contact your family physician or call the Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield at 1-800-342-5748.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois