How You Can Protect Yourself From Heat Stroke This Summer ?

We all love summers, right? It’s the best for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities. But we all also admit that it can be extremely tiring especially when the temperatures are over the roof. There can be days when we absolutely hate summers. Let’s look into the ways you can protect yourself from heat stroke this summer season. 

What are the conditions that are caused due to heat?

Heatstroke occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in hot conditions. It is the most severe form of heat-related illness and can develop when the body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or high. Heatstroke happens most often in the summer.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Signs of heat stroke include,

• High body temperature
• A shift in sweating pattern
• Change in state of mind
• Vomiting and nausea
• Fast heart beat
• Rapid breathing
• Headache
• Reddish or flushed skin

Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot, usually from staying in high temperatures for too long. Common symptoms include excessive sweating and a fast heartbeat. It is one of three heat-related conditions, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. 

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually, particularly during extended physical activity. Some common signs include:

• Fatigue 
• Heavy sweating 
• Moist skin
• Faintness 
• Weak and rapid pulse
• A drop in blood pressure while standing
• Muscle cramps

In case you or your loved one is having any of these signs immediately reach out to the general medicine hospital in Coimbatore.

How is heat stroke different from heat exhaustion?

The main difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is sweating. People with heat exhaustion usually sweat heavily, while those with heatstroke have little to no sweating. 

How can you protect yourself from heat stroke?

There are several ways for heat stroke prevention in this scorching heat, let’s look at some of them.

• Make sure to be sun smart:

It’s best to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, but if you need to be outside, keep these tips in mind:

• • Apply sunscreen and reapply it regularly. 
  • Put on a hat to protect your head from the sun.
  • Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help stay cool
  • Take breaks in the shade or indoors to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke
    

• Drink lots of fluid:

When it’s hot, drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine to stay hydrated. If possible, have isotonic sports drinks to replace lost salts, sugars, and fluid. 

Both hot and cold drinks help maintain your body’s core temperature, but hot drinks won’t cool you down more than cold ones. In hot weather, it’s best to avoid caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee and stick to water. Since sweating causes fluid loss, it’s important to replenish those liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. 

• Staying cold is better:

The body releases heat through the skin, its largest organ. The more skin you cool, the faster you will feel relief. 

• Wearing a wet t-shirt and keeping it damp can help lower body temperature
• Using a cooling spray can provide instant relief
• Taking a cool shower allows your body to cool gradually. 
• Soaking your hands and feet in cold water helps cool you down quickly, as blood vessels near the skin’s surface in your wrists and ankles together.
  

• Cut down on alcohol:

Warm weather lifts our mood, and for many, that means including a lot cold alcoholic beverages:

• However, too much sun and  too much alcohol don’t mix well.
• Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can be even more dangerous when you’re already trying to stay cool in the heat. It also disrupts sleep, making it even harder to rest when temperatures are high. 

You might fall asleep quickly, but your sleep quality will likely be poor, and you may wake up earlier than usual, leaving you feeling far from refreshed. 

• Have light meals:

In hot weather, it’s best to eat light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals. Foods with high water content, like strawberries, cucumber, and watermelon, can keep you hydrated and cool. You can also include hydrating options like soups to maintain fluid levels. 

• Limit physical activity:

Try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible, but adjust when needed for hot weather. While an early morning run might feel tough when you are cozy in bed, exercising under the scorching midday sun can be risky, increasing the chances of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. 

Plan your activities with the temperature in mind, and if possible, schedule workouts or outdoor sports during cooler parts of the day. As straining out under hot sun can lead to heat stroke and there are several effects of heat stroke that include brain damage, organ failure.

• Maintain your house cool:

In hot weather, your home should be a cool retreat from the heat, but keeping it comfortable isn’t always as simple as opening a window, especially during a heatwave. 

Nighttime can be particularly challenging since temperatures often stay high, making it harder to sleep. This can be a bigger issue for those living in high-rise buildings or urban areas where heat lingers longer. Finding ways to keep your space cool is essential for staying comfortable and well-rested. 

How does the human body react to high temperatures?

When your body temperature rises, nerves send signals to the brain to cool down. This triggers sweating and moves blood away from the vital organs toward the skin by widening blood vessels, helping release heat. 

Important Takeaway:

Summers can be difficult especially when you work outdoors or even when you need to step out for an errand. Simple tips can help overcome this summer season and can help you enjoy the season to its best. Children and elderly people need extra attention during this season. Consult the best general physician in Coimbatore to know more about escaping the heat.