With temperatures continuing to rise this summer season, it is best to know what you should do so you can avoid heat stroke.
One of the best ways to avoid heat stroke is to drink plenty of water often and to stay indoors if possible during very hot weather.
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down, according to an advisory from the Department of Health.
This happens when “the body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment.”
According to the John Hopkins Medicine website, our bodies usually make a tremendous amount of internal heat and the normal cooling down process is when our bodies sweat and radiate 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. This allows heat to build up to dangerous levels,” it said.
This leads to heat stroke.
Listed below are the causes of heat stroke:
Causes:
• Hot and humid weather
• Vigorous exercise in hot weather
• Dehydration
• Too much direct exposure to the sun
• Infants, the elderly, athletes, & individuals who work outside
Signs:
Heat stroke may start with the following signs of heat exhaustion:
• Warm, flushed skin
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Very high fever of 41°C
• Rapid heartbeat
• Convulsion
• Unconsciousness
Emergency Meaures:
The DOH lists these emergency measures if one is suspected to have heat stroke:
o Move the person to a shady spot or indoors
o Have him/her lie down with legs elevated
o If able to drink liquids, have him/her sip cool water
o Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin, & fan the person
o Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles & groin
According to the DOH, heat stroke is a medical emergency, and the patient should be immediately be brought to a hospital after instituting emergency measures.
Prevention:
But how do you prevent heat stroke during very hot and humid weather?
First, one should limit the amount spent outdoors, and also drink plenty of water, and plenty of hydrating food. It is also important to avoid, tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.
Wear a wide brimmed hot, or umbrella when going outdoors, and also wear light clothing. And you should schedule heavy-duty activities outdoors in the beginning or end of the day when it’s cooler.
(Eagle News Service)