health guides

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy a run in the park or a game of football with friends. However, as an article from Healthline explained, it’s important to take precautions when you’re out on a sweltering day, as overexposure to heat and strenuous exercise can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can strike when you’re dehydrated and your body is unable to cool itself through sweating—causing your internal temperature to rise to 104°F or higher. Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, dizziness, an extremely high temperature, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and vomiting. It should be taken seriously, as it can result in brain damage and death if left untreated. So, if you suspect you or someone you know has heat stroke, call 911 and take the following actions while you wait for medical help to arrive:

• Find a cool area and lie down with feet elevated.
• Loosen or take off tight clothing.
• Place ice packs on armpits and groin area.
• Splash water on skin and use a fan to induce sweating.

The good news is that heat stroke is avoidable with a little planning. Follow these easy tips when you plan on being outside and the temperature is on the rise:

• Wear loose fitting, light-coloured clothing to improve heat transfer and reflect the sun’s rays.
• Wear a hat or carry an umbrella to block the sun.
• Grab plenty of water or a sports drink (which can replenish sodium lost through sweating) before heading out.
• Stay away from caffeine and alcohol—both can cause dehydration.
• Exercise during the cooler part of the day, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., and avoid vigourous exercise on really hot days.

Source: Healthline