7 Basic Tips To Prevent Heat Stroke This Summer
Heat stroke is a condition caused when the body temperature rises very high, above the normal temperature level (40 degrees Celsius and higher).
Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion because it could cost you your life. People with heat stroke may suffer from fever, seizures, or may also go into a coma. It affects the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles very quickly. The damage on your body might even get severe and fatal if treatment is delayed.
But the good news is, heat stroke is predictable and above all avoidable.
There are two types of heat stroke;
1. Classic or non-exercise-induced heat stroke. Which occurs when the person is not exercising or physically generating heat.
2. Exertional or activity-induced heat stroke. Which occurs when the person exerts himself physically or generates heat.
Basically anyone can get heat stroke, whether you are an athlete or a simple outdoor worker. Heat stroke is common especially during the summer. So, what are the warning signs of heat stroke? And how can you prevent getting heat stroke this summer? If you take the right precautions, you can easily prevent the risk of heat stroke.
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
- Pale skin
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizzy or nauseous
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Muscle weakness or cramp
In cases which might be fatal, you may likely see these warning signs below. It is advisable to quickly seek treatment you observe any of these symptoms:
- Skin that feels hot and dry, but not sweaty
- Thumping headache
- Frequent troubles of vomiting
- Altered mental state or behavior.
- Poor breathing
Tips To Prevent Heat stroke During The Summer
1. Wear loose-fitting or light clothing.
To make sure your body is at the proper temperature, wear light clothes. Especially when you are going out for long periods.
2. Protect your body against excessive sunlight exposure.
Sunburn affects your body’s heat regulatory mechanism. You can put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. These is a very essential beauty and skincare tip for the summer. Use the sunscreen regularly, most especially if you are going to be swimming.
3. Drink plenty of fluids.
Staying hydrated will help your body cool down and maintain a normal body temperature. Additionally, when you sweat, you lose salt and water from your body. You can replenish salt and water by drinking some healthy sports drinks.
Do not drink caffeine, or any sugary alcoholic beverages. Those drinks can speed up dehydration. Because these drinks may affect your body’s temperature regulatory mechanism.
4. Open windows, make use of fans or air conditioners.
At all times, make sure you fan is on and your windows are open especially when you want to go to sleep so that they can be proper air flow.
5. Don’t overexert yourself.
In the summer it is better to exercise or engage is physical activity at cool hours of the day, such as early morning or evening.
6. No persons in a parked car
Never leave anyone in a parked car, particularly when parked in the sun. Because the temperature in your car can rise to as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes.
7. Avoid some medications
You should be extra careful with certain medications that can affect your body’s heat release or temperature regulation. These medications include some blood pressure and heart medicines, PCP (phencyclidine hydrochloride), diet pills (amphetamines), laxatives, seizure medicines, thyroid pills, and oral hypoglycaemic drugs.
Emergency Treatment For Heat Stroke
If you suspect anyone has the symptoms of heat stroke, you should take immediate action to help the person.
First, move the victim to a cooler location, then remove any heavy clothing. Fan the body. Use a clean cool cloth to rub the body. The person should also drink cool water.
You can have a very healthy summer, by following all these said tips.
Author’s bio
Nwokolo Collins Micheal is a great writer and a top health and fitness blogger. He writes helpful articles in his health blog. www.youmustgethealthy.com
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