When the temperature gets too high, your health is at risk. If you don’t know how to stay cool in a heatwave and the temperature of your body rises to a level that is dangerous, your heart’s circulatory system may get over exerted and other vital organs may also get damaged in the long run.

If heat stress or heat exhaustion is not treated properly, and your body temperature rises above 40.5C, the internal systems of your body may begin to shut down and you may get a heat stroke which in extreme cases may be fatal.

Who is at risk?

Those who are at more risk of heat stress and, subsequently, a heat stroke (if heat stress is not treated immediately) are young children, pregnant women, people who are older and workers who spend long periods working in the direct sunlight. People suffering from certain health-related issues like heart disease and those who are on some medications that treat allergies, depression and high blood pressure are also at risk if exposed to the sun for longer periods of time.

Warning signs of heat stress: Check list

Some early signs of heat stress are:

• Thirst
• Extreme sweating
• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Cold and clammy skin

Warning signs of heat stroke: Check list

• Dry skin, with no sweating
• High body temperature
• Staggering
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness/coma

How to prevent heat stress and heat stroke: Check list

1.Try to stay out of the sun

The more you are out in the sun, the more exposed you will be. If you do have to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen, a hat/cap and sunglasses.

2.Drink water

Drink lots and lots of water, even if you aren’t thirsty. If you feel thirsty, it means you are already getting dehydrated. Avoid fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol as these will only dehydrate you.

3.Take a shower

If you are feeling hot, flushed or flustered, a cold shower will help.

4.Wear loose clothing

Tight fighting clothes will make you feel more uncomfortable in the heat. It’s much better to wear light, airy and loose clothing to allow the air to circulate and this will keep your body cool. Light colours are better because they reflect the sunlight and, consequently, the heat.

5.Keep your home or office cool

Turn on the air conditioning or put on the fan and keep the blinds and curtains drawn to keep out excessive sunlight during the day hours.

6.Keep your pets hydrated

Make sure your pets are given enough water during the day time so they don’t get dehydrated.

What to do when someone has heat stress: Check list

If you are someone around you is suffering from heat stress, the following measures will help to lower body temperature.

• Stay in a shaded and cool area
• Drink plenty of water
• Remove extra layers of clothing and loosen all others
• Place cold compresses or ice packs on different parts of the body to lower body temperature

In case, none of the above measures help, there is risk of a heatstroke. Immediately call 999 or seek immediate medical intervention.

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? These check lists could help. Do let us know what you think in our comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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