What is a heat stroke?

A heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is caused when body temperature reaches dangerously high levels. The body's natural defenses against heat — such as sweating — can no longer maintain normal core temperature and internal organs begin to fail. In fact, this condition can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.

The facts about heat strokes

The Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) identified 3,442 deaths from 1999-2003 "resulting from exposure to extreme heat." The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research identified more than 100 athlete deaths in America that were directly related to heat strokes. And these numbers have certainly grown in the past decade as people push themselves to new limits, despite the risk of permanent injury or even fatality.

Who needs an ionX Alert Patch?

While the patch is ideal for competitive athletes, anyone who works or plays in extreme heat environments can utilize this potentially life-saving product, including:

  • Agricultural workers
  • Hikers and joggers
  • Construction workers
  • Recreational athletes
  • Landscapers
  • Roofers
  • Postal workers

A proactive solution for active people

From professional athletes to beginning players, heat-related deaths have had an impact on all levels of sports. That’s why IonX® has created the ionX™ Body Temperature Alert Patch. This disposable indicator warns the wearer if and when there is a danger of overheating. When the body temperature increases to a level associated with an elevated risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the patch changes to a highly noticeable color to alert the individual to take measures to reduce his or her body temperature. Once the individual has cooled to a non-risk temperature, the patch will return to the original color. At this point, all users should refrain from any further stress or strain. However, the patch will continue to change color again when the body temperature increases to an elevated level. Due to the nature of the adhesive, the patch is designed for one single use. Once it is removed, including relocating from one body position to another, the adhesion qualities are reduced. The ionX Alert Patch has the same characteristics of a cotton bandage and is round, elastic and waterproof, to stay secure during activity.

Here’s how it works: Heat-sensitive chemistry changes color to indicate the rise and fall of core body temperature. When an individual’s temperature reaches elevated levels, the ionX Alert Path begins to change from black to yellow. At a risk point, the patch turns a noticeable yellow that is easily visible at a distance or from the sidelines.

In order to accurately measure core temperature, the ionX Alert Patch must be placed on an area with blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. These areas include:

  • Neck artery
  • Bicep just before the inner elbow
  • Inner forearm just before inner elbow
  • Wrist just before the hand

The patch does not react to external temperatures or humidity. And, since the inks do not wear out, the patch will continue to change color and measure body temperature as long as it is worn.

The ionX Alert Patch is just one of many new technologies created for improved health and wellness by IonX, a research and development company in Lexington, Kentucky.

Click here to download our flyer with additional product information.