New update (Cindy Sheehan)

[The Doctor.]

I just got off the phone with Hadi of the Peace House. He said that Cindy is now inside and resting after a long day in the Texas heat. He said that she has mild symptoms of heat stroke/exposure, but nothing to be concerned about. She has plenty of food and water too.

He told me to thank everyone at DU for being so thoughtful.

You guys are great!

OT here;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4275154

[TexasLady]

1. Thanks so much for that update

Standing in that heat and humidity can get to a person!!

so glad to hear it.

[MuseRider]

2. I have been reading

all your posts about her. Thank you for keeping us up to date. I may have missed some info but is she planning on staying? I want so much to drive down there, can't be more than about 10 hours. Anyway, let us know what she needs and again, thanks to you. Bless her heart. She is doing something so important both for her and for the country.

[Hamlette]

7. how cool would it be to turn Crawford into a protest all month long

To protest the war and keep pointing out that Bush is on vacation while troops are dying.

[stepnw1f]

21. I Think It's A Great Idea! (nt)

[The Doctor.]

8. From what I gather, she plans to stay through August.

As long as the commander-in-chimp is there.

[The Witch]

3. thanks for the update!

Please give her our love

[bonito]

4. She in her son's behalf is an inspiration for all of us. thank you.

[abbeyco]

5. Is there a way to donate?

If she needs anything during her patriotic stay, where or whom can we donate to? Thanks!

[Southsideirish]

6. Yes, I would like to contribute to a cooling tent and extra room for some

Democratic politicians whom I'm sure would like to go down and join her.

[The Doctor.]

9. Go to

www.crawfordpeacehouse.org

They said they'll have paypal ready by Monday.

They may need stuff before then, if the ADMIN gives the ok, then I'll funnel direct to them through my own account tomorrow morning.

Good night.

[abbeyco]

13. Thank you for the info

If funds are needed before Monday, please post and let us all know.

[jillan]

20. Dr Eldritch - Thanks for keeping us posted all day

and for getting things set up for us to help Cindy

:yourock:

[Ilsa]

10. Please, make sure everyone is up to speed on signs and symptoms

of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

thirst
less-frequent urination
dry skin
fatigue
light-headedness
dizziness
confusion
dry mouth and mucous membranes
increased heart rate and breathing
In children, additional symptoms may include:

dry mouth and tongue
no tears when crying
no wet diapers for more than 3 hours
sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
high fever
listlessness
irritability
skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
Treatment for dehydration:
If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician's guidance. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.

In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.

For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

How can dehydration be prevented?
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.
For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home for children.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.

What causes heat stroke?
Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.

If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

headache
dizziness
disorientation, agitation or confusion
sluggishness or fatigue
seizure
hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
a high body temperature
loss of consciousness
rapid heart beat
hallucinations
How is heat stroke treated?
It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.

Get the person indoors.
Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.

How can heat stroke be prevented?
There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:

Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.
Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella.
Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htm

I wish Cindy and all the protesters cool days and lovely nights and a turn of opinion by the SS and MSM.

[proud patriot]

11. Thanks for the update

:patriot:

[icymist]

12. Thank you Dr_eldritch!

:kick:

[txindy]

14. A proven way of cooling off in Texas heat

I put this in another thread, but now you've got me very worried about Cindy's health. I was afraid this might happen. I've felt exactly how she feels physically right now. Then I discovered something and it really works for me and my family. Iced cloths.

My kids have been playing organized sports all summer here in Texas. It's as hot every day as it was in Crawford today. Count on it. One proven way, the fastest way (besides going inside for A/C), to cool off is to put iced cloths around your neck and/or under your cap. Soak cloths in cold water and put them in an ice chest, covered in ice, use as needed - which will be constantly! It works! Sounds simple, but it literally saved my whole family this summer.

Also, shade will save your life. It's the sun that kills. Covet every little piece of shade you can find. Then ice yourself down. The misting suggestion upthread is an excellent tip, too. That along with a personal fan works wonders, but the iced cloths wrapped around your neck truly works. My kids put them on with the cloths dripping with ice water. After the first shiver you could literally see them revive from the heat.

Yes, those gel neckbands work, too, but iced cloths of any kind work just as well.

[Gloria]

18. And put the cold cloths around your wrists, as well as around

the neck!

When I was a kid and we had no A/C, that's theonly way I could get to sleep.

Apparently, these are the points where the blood runs close to the skin, so a cool cloth will cool down one's whole system... At lease that's what I was told....

[txindy]

19. You know, that's true.

I forgot about pulse points! I never thought about the wrists, though. Thanks! I'll file that tidbit away and I know I'll use it. :hi:

The back of the knees also works well for those of us outside in shorts. We had so many cloths in that cooler I could've covered every bit of skin available!

Growing up without A/C... Ugh, I remember it well! Restless, toss and turn nights. I don't know how we did it. Not in these temperatures.

[FreedomAngel82]

15. Thanks for the update

I hope she takes plenty of water with her tomorrow!

[KyndCulture]

16. According to other blogs she back out there by the road? yes?

[ClayZ]

17. Thanks for posting the update.

Hope she gets some sleep and stays cool tomorrow!

[Mabus]

22. Cindy was just on CNN

I wish I could have heard it. I'm watching a bunch of kids and trying to feed them so I missed it.