With central and western India experiencing the intensified mid-summer heat. We thought of informing our readers how to keep safe in these circumstances!
Although everyone wants to enjoy a sunny day on the beach, however, one needs to take care of the body before it reaches its highest temperature and watch out for the symptoms of heat stroke.
Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is a heat injury which is considered as a medical emergency. It damages the brain and other internal organs. It generally occurs when a person has been in hot temperature too long. It can be while working, exercising or even when simply sitting in a hot environment. In some cases, heatstroke can be fatal.
Watch out for these symptoms:
Body temperature: One of the main characteristics of heatstroke is elevated body temperature
Mental changes: Any mental change such as confusion, seizures (particularly in children), delirium, slurred speech, irritability, and coma may lead to heatstroke.
Skin changes: When the temperature is high the skin will be hot and dry. When the skin becomes too try it can lead to heatstroke
Other symptoms include:
- Quicker or shallow breathing
- A rise in the heartbeat
Submerging in an ice bath or cold water
Cold water is dabbed into the skin with cloth and with the use of fan it is then evaporated thus cooling down the body
Muscle relaxants (only under doctor’s prescription)
Diagnosis for a heatstroke includes a blood test, urine test, muscle test, X-rays, etc.
Heatstroke, even though it is fatal, it can be avoided. The following points can be followed to avoid heatstroke.
Clothing: Wear clothing according to the climate. Loose fitting and lightweight clothes are ideal for a summer climate. This allows your body to cool properly after sweating
Fluids: This is one the most vital point in our list. You lose fluids when you start to sweat and should be refilling the lost fluids. Take a lot of fluids before you start from home
People in parked cars: Children can be seen seated in a hot parked car which can lead to heatstroke. A locked hot car can increase the temperature to almost 7°Celsius in under ten minutes
Timings: Be aware of the hottest time of the day. This is usually before and after midnight. (11 am to 3 pm). In case you are not able to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids. You can also take rests in the shade if you are walking in the sun.
In case of you at the risk of heatstroke, (ie) due to health, age, medications, etc., check where are the nearest medical services. Do this before you take part in any strenuous activity on a hot day.