Don’t let heat stroke rob you of the summer fun!
Summer! Summer! Summer! What else can we say?
In the Philippines, there are only two seasons when people rush to have a vacation – every December and April. In December, of course, everyone rushes up north to sip a cup of hot choco in Baguio. In April, people swim down south to enjoy Philippines’ Visayan coasts.
Now that we’re in April, it’s time to batter the beaches and leave the monotony of our workplaces!
However, our folks will always say, anything that’s too much will soon become toxic. It holds true even for the summer heat! After all, who wants to suffer from a heat stroke?
So, while you’re rushing to make the best out of your summer season, here are some helpful tips on how to avoid heat stroke. Don’t let it ruin your ecstatic vacation!
By the way, what is heat stroke?
WebMD, a popular Internet source for almost everything connected with health, says heat stroke is an abnormal surge in body temperature. When having a prolonged exposure to sunlight, the body can sustain a temperature of as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit!
Such a temperature is almost have of the water’s boiling point (which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit)! When you’re having a heat stroke, you’re almost burning from within!
What should I watch for?
Since heat stroke involves body temperature, it’s pretty easy to spot signs or symptoms. Of course, the first thing you should watch out is the feeling of extreme heat or thirst.
You’ll feel an unusual heat when you touch your skin – much like having a fever. Sometimes, you’ll feel a weird sensation that resembles scalding.
Many people report a feeling of suffocation, exhaustion, nausea, and dizziness. Some even pass out during attacks of heat stroke.
Of course, keep yourself hydrated!
This has always been branded as common sense. How do you put out the fire? Pour water on it!
Drink water. A study retrieved from the United States’ National Library of Medicine says it’s better to take in liters of water than to indulge in sweetened beverages like artificial juices and soft drinks. The pleasure you derive from drinking sweetened beverages is something psychological. You feel satisfied, but your body does not really get hydrated.
Wear light-colored shirts with thinner fabrics. After all, you’re going to a swimming escapade; you’re not attending a gala night!
From these preventive tips, you can deduce what to do when someone is having a heat stroke attack. Give the person enough ventilation. Remove clothing articles that can “suffocate” the person, like bandanas, scarves around the neck, shoes, socks, or even shirts.
He’ll also feel well when you dab all over his face a wet towel soaked in cold water. Always, it’s better to put ice cubes on body parts where heat is commonly trapped – like the armpit, neck, and groin areas.
Remember that summertime is all about being lively and happy. It’s all about enjoying a brief moment of youthfulness with your family. For sure, you can’t afford to have your vacation ruined by heat stroke – or else, you have to wait for the next summer!
Photo credits to ICmed™ and Emergency Essentials© Blog.