Stay Cool, George Washington

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, UNITED STATES

06.11.2019

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (June 11, 2019) – June 21 marks the official start of the summer season in Virginia. This is a time of sun, higher temperatures and opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. Some families in the area may take the time to picnic, kayak, or attend baseball games, all to relax and recharge for the months afterwards.
Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) are no exception, but they must remember to enjoy these outdoor activies with safety and healthy habits in mind.
“When you are doing activities outside, make sure you watch the temperature of the day,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Hung Bui, a Sailor assigned to the George Washington’s safety department. “Make sure you also drink the recommended amount of water.”
During this time, the sun also has the probability to cause potentially serious health effects and some can even be long-term or fatal later in life.
“When directly exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, the skin can be damaged
in as little as 15 minutes,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Chamu Chimhau, a preventive medicine technician assigned to George Washington’s medical department. “Overexposure to the sun's rays can also cause 1st degree and 2nd degree burns, and in some cases even skin cancer. Using the right sunscreen can prevent and minimize the risk of getting some of these symptoms. The CDC recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.”
Sunburn is not the only danger Sailors could face; there are also the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is important to recognize the symptoms and signs of both, as well as the treatment methods. Data from the Naval Safety Center indicates the symptoms of heat exhaustion are cool, moist, pale skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness.
“Heat exhaustion generally results from the body's loss of water and salts when exposed to high temperature,” said Chimhau. “This condition can be more severe when combined with strenuous physical activity. Signs of heat exhaustion can range from having muscle cramps and feeling dizzy and weak to as severe as fainting or having a heatstroke.”
Chimhau said the first step to treating heat exhaustion is to move the Sailor to a cold space, loosen their clothes, put cool wet cloths on the skin, and slowly sip water.
“Staying in a temperature-controlled environment is highly recommended,
especially with the outside temperatures rising,” said Chimhau. “When outside, moving into a shaded area would help. In addition to that, dressing appropriately would
be key, so wearing light clothing and avoiding thick, layered clothing would
be a good thing. Drinking water constantly and replenishing salts is also
highly recommended.”
To help prevent heat-related injuries, the Naval Safety Center recommends eating small meals, taking regular breaks, wearing light clothing and drinking plenty of water.
“Staying hydrated, well-fueled, and well-rested allows the body to better
respond to many stressors, including heat,” said Chimhau. “Getting enough sleep and rest, eating balanced meals and avoiding alcohol, especially before a work day, helps your body to better cope. Lastly, use sunscreen when outdoors, do not overstay your stay in a hot environment, and seek shade or an air-conditioned environment. At work or play, it's always important to stay cool.”
Over the summer, there are various activities that Sailors can enjoy. The important thing is for Sailors to be smart and safe by staying properly hydrated, using proper skin protection, and knowing when a break is needed. Summer is a great time to enjoy all that the Hampton Roads area has to offer, and taking precautions while enjoying the summer weather ensures that every Sailor is primed to support the mission of George Washington and the United States Navy.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2019
• Date Posted: 07.11.2019 12:24
• Story ID: 330267
• Location: NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US