5 Precautions to Help You Avoid Heat Stroke
Each year, over four hundred people die from heat stroke in North America. Heat stroke is an extremely serious and life-threatening illness that can happen to anyone, although the risk for people with certain medical conditions, or who take certain medications is higher. Heat stroke is also more likely to occur in children, as their bodies are too small to properly regulate temperature.
Heat stroke generally occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature in extreme heat, at the point when the body is unable to sweat and cool down. People who are exhibiting signs of heat stroke typically display confusion, or an altered mental state. Their skin will be hot and red, and they may additionally feel nauseous and experience vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect that someone you know is experiencing a heat stroke, get emergency medical help immediately.
Although heat stroke is a definite problem during the hot summer months, it's still okay to go outside and enjoy the summer. But before you head outside and into the heat, you may want to take a few extra precautions:
Be Aware – Check the weather forecast before going outside for the day, and note both the expected temperature and heat index. Once you know how hot it's going to be that day, be prepared! Bring enough sunscreen, liquids and food in your cooler to help your body stay cool all day.
Drink Enough Liquids – Health professionals recommend that you drink approximately eight ounces of water or sports drinks while out in the sun. Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages during hot weather, as they will only make you thirstier and may cause dehydration.
Dress Appropriately – Loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing are the best for hot days in the sun. Clothing made from cotton materials are generally recommended because of their breathable qualities.
Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day – On days that are forecasted to be especially warm, schedule your outdoor activities around the peak hours of ten in the morning to three in the afternoon.
Never Leave Anyone in the Car – Car temperatures can heat up by thirty degrees in twenty minutes, so never leave anyone alone in the car, including the elderly, children and pets, for any amount of time.
Because heat stroke is considered to be an illness that requires immediate medical attention, when planning activities outdoors or indoors during hot weather, make sure that you know if you or any of your family members are more prone to heat stroke. Common medical conditions that raise the risk of heat stroke include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. For people with any of these conditions, there's no reason to not go outdoors, just keep in mind that you may have to get out of the heat before the other people around you.
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