Awareness about heat stroke

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Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that occurs when your body cannot cool itself down. This can happen when you are exposed to high temperatures for an extended time or exercise vigorously in hot conditions.

Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related sickness. It occurs when the body loses control of its temperature: its temperature increases rapidly, the sweating process fails, and the body cannot cool itself. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can reach 106°F or greater in 10 to 15 minutes.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of heat stroke can include:

• High body temperature (more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Feeling dizzy and confused.
• Rapid respiration and pulse
• Hot, dry skin.
• Loss of consciousness.

Precautions

If you suspect someone is having a heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While you wait for aid, calm the individual down by:

• Moving them to a cool place.
• Applying chilly water to their skin.
• Fanning them.
• Give them fluids.

Prevention

To prevent heat stroke,

• stay hydrated.
• Avoid hard activities in hot temperatures.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored garments.
• Taking breaks in a cool environment
• Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day.
• Getting used to hot temperatures gradually
• Identify risk factors for heat stroke, including age, obesity, and chronic illness.

prevention

Who is at risk of heat stroke?

Anyone can have heat stroke, although some people are more vulnerable than others. This includes:

• Children and older adults.
• People with chronic health issues, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• People who take specific drugs, such as diuretics
• People who work or exercise in hot conditions

How can I stay safe during hot weather?

Here are some ideas for staying safe in hot weather:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous activities in hot weather. If you must exercise in hot weather, do so in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing. This will help keep your body cool.
• Take pauses in a cool environment. If you become hot, dizzy, or confused, take a break in a cool location.
• Schedule outdoor activities around cooler times of the day. If you must be outside during the hottest portion of the day, seek shade or a cool resting spot.
• Acclimate to hot climates gradually. If you’re not used to hot weather, spend brief periods in it and gradually increase your time outside.

Be aware of the risk factors for heat stroke. If you have any of the risk factors listed above, be extra cautious in hot weather.

Thank you.