You’ve probably noticed how hotter each year becomes particularly during the summer season. This increases your risk of suffering from heat stroke especially when you’re out under the sun for hours on end. You may not notice it at first until you feel its side effects such as dizziness, rapid pulse, profuse sweating, fatigue, cramps, and quick shallow breathing just to name a few. What can you do to avoid heat stroke from happening? Here are a few tips you should keep in mind if you decide to spend time outdoors.
- Wear appropriate clothing. When the sun’s up and you’re planning on going outside to soak up some warmth make sure that you wear loose and light colored clothing. This way, your clothes won’t store or absorb heat from the sun. Wearing light clothing allows your body to breathe so you can cool down quickly.
- Stay away from caffeine. Caffeine or any form of caffeine can cause dehydration which is best avoided particularly in high heat. Opt for cool and healthy drinks such as water or fresh fruit juice to quench your thirst.
- Avoid overexertion. Yes, you would like to stay physically fit even when the heat is already unbearable but this can lead to heat stroke if you are not too careful. Keep in mind that when you overexert yourself you will be sweating a lot which can lower the amount of water in your body. This can lead to dizziness if you do not properly hydrate yourself.
- Plan ahead. If you’re thinking of exercising outdoors or going out for a run, choose cooler hours such as early in the morning or in the evening. This way, you will be able to do your outdoor workout without worrying about suffering from heat stroke.
- Drink up. And not the alcoholic kind because alcohol is a diuretic which can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water to replenish the water leaving your body in the form of sweat especially when you are exercising. You don’t want to end up passed out because you forgot to replace the water in your body due to excessive sweating.
- Use cooling fans or air conditioning units. Open up your windows to let the breeze in or turn on the fans in your home to cool you down. You can turn on your air conditioning unit too so you won’t have to melt under the sweltering heat. If your cooling appliances are broken, head to a cool spot such as in the mall to get over the hottest part of the day.
Heat stroke is a serious matter and one that you should pay close attention to especially during the hot summer months. Keep in mind that anyone can suffer from heat stroke from infants to the elderly including those who are taking medications. It is important that you know how to keep yourself safe by following the tips mentioned above. Make sure that you spread the information to help save others as well.