How to avoid heat stroke

Many people get marred by heat stroke during summer because heat makes one’s body incapable to regulate its temperature. The condition of heat stroke is characterised by rapid rise in temperature, failure of sweating mechanism and inability of the body to cool down. Without understanding the risks of extreme exposure to heat, people get affected with heat stroke and other heat related illnesses during summers.

There are several ways in which you can stay away from heat-related illness. The measures may be strict (sometimes less) for individuals with medical conditions or on medications. If you are certain of the risk, you can easily protect yourself from heat stroke and its complications.

Avoiding heat stroke

To enjoy the hot summer season sans illnesses, you have to be extra cautious about dealing with the scorching heat during summers.

• If you suffer from a medical condition and will be facing problems if exposed to heat, take extra precautions. You need to realise that heat affects you sooner than others.
• One must abstain from stepping outside during the hottest hours of the summer days.
• Spend as much time as possible in a cool place.
• Drink water in plenty; water acts as a coolant during summer season.
• Avoid indulging in alcohol.
• Caffeinated drinks should also be avoided during summer season.
• Loose but fit cotton clothes should be worn during summers.
• Be attentive to weather reports and try to plan ahead for hot days.

Heat and disease

To ensure that the body’s mechanisms work fine, body temperature must be within a normal temperature range. The first reaction to heating or body temperature exceeding the normal range is sweat. Another reason for hot temperature could be increased heart beat due to lack of physical activity. In other words, the disruption of natural cooling system puts one at the risk of exhaustion due to heat and heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke/Heat-related illness

One must understand the signs of heat related illness such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Listed below are the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• Heavy sweating.
• Muscle cramps.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Cold or clammy skin.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Nausea.
• Headaches.

If you experience these symptoms, you need to stay out of the heat, drink as much water as possible and report your condition to a health care provider.

Image source : Getty

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