What are the preventive measures to protect oneself from heat stroke in summers?

Heat stroke is very common, especially in summers and places that are near the equator since the temperature there rises to an extent that it causes exertion and sudden dehydration in the body. One can also say that heat stroke is a condition that is caused due to overheating of the body which is usually a result of prolonged exposure or physical exertion in very high temperatures. Such a condition causes heat injury and heat stroke that also damages brain, kidney, heart, and muscles and requires emergency treatment in order to protect the vital organs. Any delay might damage or worsen the situation which might also cause complications and health risks that could be life-threatening as well. Exposure to extreme temperatures is the leading cause of heat stroke that causes death all across the globe. But one can prevent all this by maintaining the body cool and consuming food that helps in preventing dehydration.

Warning signs of heat stroke

In order to protect oneself from heat stroke one should really know the warning signs of having a heat stroke. Inculcating preventive measures in daily life can protect individuals from heat stroke. Here are some of the warning signs or symptoms that one should look out for so that one can take appropriate preventive measures. Some of the symptoms might include:

• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Pale, red, or dry skin
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Restlessness
• Breathlessness
• Heavy breathing
• Racing heartbeat
• Dilated pupils
• Trouble in walking
• High body temperature
• Excessive sweating
• Flushed skin

Preventive Measures:

Heat stroke affects all individuals and might cause life-threatening conditions before it is necessary. In order to prevent such critical conditions one should take appropriate preventive measures in order to protect themselves from heat strokes. Some of the preventive measures are as follows:

• Drink plenty of fluids which includes water, juices, coconut water, electrolyte powder, Glucose water etc . These liquids help in maintaining a normal body temperature and keep the body cool.
• One should cotton fabric that are loose fitting and light weighted so that it does not fit you tightly and gives the body the space to cool properly.
• Always use sunscreen when you go out in the sun as it helps to protect the body from the ultraviolet radiation of the Sun. It also protects a body from Sunburn therefore one must apply at least a sunscreen of SPF 20.
• Covering your head is also very important since the direct heat on the head causes a headache, unconsciousness, dizziness, and heat stroke therefore one should protect their head with the help of an umbrella, a hat, or a cap or with a piece of cloth.
• Always wear sunglasses when you are out in the sun as your eyes get equally damaged due to the heat of the sun and the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun which causes headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Try to include fruits in your diet such as watermelon, muskmelon mangoes and litchi, and coconut water all these help in maintaining a proper body temperature and keep the body hydrated.
• You should also avoid fatty fried and spicy food as it raises the body temperature and causes restlessness and sweating.
• Before entering the car one should lower the windows and open the gate so that the trapped warm air of the car goes out. Do not immediately switch on the air conditioner as it circulates the hot which might cause dizziness.
• Do not enter the air conditioner room right after coming from hot weather as it might cause heat stroke.
• When you reach home from a hot summer day, avoid taking bath immediately as the body is sweating and may cause diarrhea and vomiting. One must take at least a 10-minute break to try to normalize themselves and then only go for a bath.

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