Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke in Summer

Symptoms

The main symptom of heat stroke is high body temperature i.e. above 104F. But fainting may be the first sign.

Other symptoms may include:

• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin

• Dizziness and light-headedness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Confusion or disorientation

• Rapid heartbeat

• Seizures

• Unconsciousness

• Muscle weakness or cramps

• Rapid pulse

Prevention Tips

To prevent heat stroke, consider below listed measures:

• Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, comfortable, airy, and loose-fitting clothing. If required, you can even wear a heat to protect yourself from the sun.

• Avoid intense activities: Reschedule or cancel outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If possible, shift the activity timing to coolest times of the day, either early morning or after sunset.

• Stay cool indoors: Use fans or air conditioning to stay cool, especially during hotter times of the day.

• Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 and above.

• Know the signs: Recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and act promptly.

• Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles: It’s not safe and advisable to leave a person or your pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather. This is because when parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 11C) in 10 minutes.

Other ways to prevent heat stroke include:

• Monitoring the colour of urine: Darker urine colour is a sign of dehydration. If you notice this, then be sure to consume enough fluids to maintain very light-coloured urine.

• Measuring weight before and after physical activity: This helps to monitor lost water weight through which you can determine how much fluid you need to drink.

When to see a Doctor?

If you think a person may be suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for emergency medical help, you can take below immediate action to cool the overheated person:

• Get the person into cooler indoors or shaded area

• Remove excess clothing

• Cool person with a cool shower, sponge with cool water, or by placing cold, wet towels on the person’s head.