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Heat Stroke
Summer activities can be a lot of
fun, but when the temperature rises too high, it can make it more likely that
you or someone near you will suffer from heat stroke. Always stay hydrated, always drink water while being outside in the heat for a long period of time. Our bodies all make
some heat as they go through the basic metabolic functions that keep us
alive. Everyone who exercises knows how ‘warm’ you can feel after going
through a set of exercises. Usually, this heat is simply dissipated from
our skin or when we exhale, and this keeps the temperature of our body
normal. However, when the surrounding temperature is high, when it
reaches into the upper 80s or more, it becomes harder and harder for our body
to get rid of the heat, and when this occurs, heat stroke can follow.
 Symptoms
Of Heat Stroke
One of the most obvious symptoms of
heat stroke is a high bodily temperature. Some people have had their body
temperature soar to 106 degrees F. Generally, there is no sweat being
produced, so another way to cool the body has been shut down. As the condition
progresses, the person will appear to be confused and agitated. The pulse
will be rapid and there may be some difficulty in breathing. Some people
with heat stroke begin to have hallucinations, and seizures and worse can follow
if help is not given right away.
What
You Can Do
This is a serious and
life-threatening condition and emergency help should be summoned
immediately. While you are waiting, however, there are some steps you can
take to help the heat stroke victim. The first thing to be done is to get
the person to a shady spot, out of the sun. Remove as much clothing as
possible to allow for more air circulation, and lave the skin with water to
help bring down the temperature. If they are still conscious, give them water. Do not allow them to gulp it, however, make sure that they take it
in sips. Fan the heatstroke victim to further bring down the body
temperature, and if there is ice available, wrap it in cloth and place in the
person’s armpits and groin. There are major arteries near these places
and cooler blood will circulate quickly to the body core.
How
To Avoid Heat stroke
Of course, it is best to take some
precautions to avoid heat stroke in the first  place and the first is to limit
your physical activity on very hot days. People who live year round in
very hot climates usually know enough to avoid strenuous work or play when it’s
too hot. This is the reason for the siesta in many warm countries; it
allows people to avoid being exposed to the worst of the day’s weather and
continue their activities when it is cooler.
Be sure to drink plenty of water and
other fluids when the weather is hot. It is actually best to drink energy
drinks rather than water if you are sweating a good deal, as it is probable
that your electrolyte balance is being upset. Plain water will not be
absorbed properly once you start to dehydrate, and you will need an energy
drink to assure that your body will maintain its proper balance. Also always make sure the water you have is pure and sanitary for best hydration.
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