300 SUNSTROKE AND ITS TREATMENT. 



a relatively, if not absolutely, high temperature. We direct attention to 

 to this matter because it is obvious the peculiar peril of overheating the 

 body by exertion on the firstburst of fine weather is not generally realized. 

 It is forgotten that the increased temperature must be measured by the 

 elevation which has recentl}^ taken place, not the number of degrees heat 

 at present recorded. The registered temperature may be more or less than 

 that which occurred a year ago ; qut its immediate effects on the organism 

 will be determined by the conditions which have precede it and violence of 

 the change. — London Lancet. 



As the heated term approaches, the rules for the prevention and treat- 

 ment of sunstroke gain new interest. The Board of Health has collected 

 some information upon this subject in the form of a circular. Copies have 

 been printed in English and German, and are to be circulated through the 

 city very soon, especially among the laboring classes. The following is the 

 principal jDart of the report : 



Sunstroke is caused by excessive heat, and especially if the weather is 

 ^'muggy. " It is is more apt to occur on the second, third and fourth days 

 of the heated term, than on the first. Loss of sleep, worry, excitement, close 

 sleeping rooms, debility, abuse of stimulants predispose to it. It is more 

 apt to attack those working in the sun, and especially between the hours of 

 11 o'clock in the forenoon and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. On hot days wear 

 thin clothing. Have as cool sleeping rooms as possible. Avoid loss of sleep 

 and all unnecessary'- fatigue. If working indoors and where there is artifi- 

 cial heat — laundries, etc. — see that the room is well ventilated. 



If working in the sun, wear a light hat (not black, as it absorbs the heat), 

 straw, etc., and put inside of it on the head a wet cloth or a large green leaf; 

 frequently lift the hat from the head and see that the cloth is wet. Do not 

 €heck i^erspiration, but drink what water you need to keep it up, as perspi- 

 ration prevent the body from being overheated. Have, whenever j)ossible, 

 an additional shade, as a thin umbrella, when walking, a canvas or board 

 cover when working in the sun. When much fatigued do not go to work, 

 especially after 11 o'clock in the morning on very hot days if the work is 

 in the sun. If a feeling of fatigue, dizziness, headache or exhaustion occurs, 

 <iease work immediately, lie down in a shady and cool place ; apply cool 

 cloths to and pour cold water over head and neck. If any one is overcome 

 by 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 

 coffee, if able to swallow. If the skin is hot and dry, sponge with or pour cold 

 water over the bod}^ and limbs, and apply to the head pounded ice wrapped 

 in a towel or other cloth. If there is no ice at hand keep a cool cloth on the 

 head, and pour cold water on it as on the bod}''. If the person is pale, very 

 faint and pulse feeble, let him inhale ammonia for a few seconds, or give 

 him a teaspoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in two tablespoonfuls of 

 water with a little sugar. — New York Tribune. 



