With the warm weather here, it is important to remember all the potential dangers that the heat of the sun can cause.

Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke and is a direct result of the body overheating.

Heat exhaustion is identifiable by heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, muscle cramps, nausea and headache. These symptoms may develop over time or come on suddenly, especially during or following periods of prolonged exercise.

When heat exhaustion is not addressed, heatstroke can follow. Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and, without emergency treatment, it can lead to death.

It results when your body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. At this temperature, your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles can also become damaged, leading to serious complications or death. In the case of heatstroke, seeking medical attention is an absolute must.

Preventing Heat Stroke

When the heat index is high, it's best to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you must go outdoors, you can prevent heat stroke by taking these steps:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
  • Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, it's generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Because heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
  • Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors.The general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Reschedule or cancel outdoor activity. If possible, shift your time outdoors to the coolest times of the day, either early morning or after sunset.

Other strategies for preventing heat stroke include:

  • Monitoring the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-colored urine.
  • Measuring your weight before and after physical activity. Monitoring lost water weight can help you determine how much fluid you need to drink.

Avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat-related illness. Also, do not take salt tablets unless your doctor has told you to do so. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and other electrolytes during heat waves is to drink sports beverages or fruit juice.

Symptoms

In addition to a high body temperatures, the symptoms of heatstroke include altered mental state or behavior, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and racing heart rate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, over 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat each year in the United States. This is more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, lightning or any other weather event combined.

Treatment

It is important to seek medical attention immedietly, if possible. If not possible, follow these steps to help yourself or the person cool down:

  • Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.
  • Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
  • Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water.

Do not use ice for older patients, young children or patients with a chronic illness. Doing so can be seriously dangerous.

Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.

"Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and ensure you stay hydrated," said Lanre Medu, Medical Health Officer for the Sun Country Health Region. "But with heat stroke ultimately you need to get yourself to medical attention as soon as possible."

You can enjoy the sun, just remember to respect it and be safe.

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