Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator
Written on August 01, 2024
Owing primarily to an absence of sweating from burn-injured skin, burn survivors are at a greater risk for a heat-related injury, particularly during physical activity in warm environmental conditions. Moreover, the perception of how hot one feels has a negative effect on one’s motivation to engage in physical activity that is otherwise beneficial for their overall health. When taken together, individuals with moderate to large burn injuries tend to avoid physical activity and thus are more likely to suffer adverse consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.
Researchers at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, have assessed hundreds of burn survivors to quantify their risk for a heat-related injury. The culmination of that work is a burn survivor heat risk calculator that provides information on the risk of performing physical activity in a variety of environmental conditions based on each burn survivor’s unique characteristics. Their goal is for burn survivors to use this calculator as a tool to encourage physical activity while also warning the survivor if it is not safe for them to engage in that activity in the present environmental conditions.
Importantly, regardless of the recommendations from the calculator, a burn survivor should stop physical activity and seek cooler conditions if they feel overheated or unwell.
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Disclaimer: The medical information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical knowledge is continually evolving, and recommendations may change over time. Content shared by subject matter experts reflects their expertise and experience at the time of publication and may not be applicable to all individuals. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.