Avoiding Heat Stroke

According to Noel Coward s popular song, Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid day sun. However you don t have to be English or a mad canine to get heat stroke. Nor are you vulnerable only at mid day. So people, especially mothers and care takers for children need to know the symptoms of heat stroke and also need to know what action to take. Pay particular attention when a person complains of abdominal or muscle cramps. Notice if they are sweating heavily. Also notice if they are not sweating at all. Ask them if they feel dizzy or nauseous. Observe their skin to see if it is hot and red. These are all warning symptoms of heat stroke. But getting into an air conditioned space immediately is usually all that is needed. However, if the person is hallucinating, staggering confused or complains of feeing faint, you need to call 911 for emergency medical help or get them to an emergency room. But the best care is prevention. A few sensible precautions will ensure that you and anyone whose care is your responsibility can avoid heat stroke.

In hot weather you need to consume sufficient water to replenish the fluids in your body. A minimum supply of water for one day is half your body weight in ounces. In other words if you weigh 160 pounds, you need to drink eighty ounces or ten eight ounce glasses of water a day. This is for normal activity. If you are exercising you need more, about two to four glasses per hour. Often people wait until they are thirsty before they drink. But by the time you are feeling thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. So you need to drink enough liquid to keep from feeling thirsty. Some times you will need to carry your water with you to be sure it is available when you need it. Sporting goods stores have bottles with plastic straws that are easy to drink from and easy to carry.

In most regions, the hottest part of the day is between 11 AM and 3 PM. If you must go out during this time, always take something to shade yourself such as a large hat or an umbrella. And always wear sunglasses. If you are responsible for children, be sure they wear sunglasses. Children s corneas are especially sensitive to light and if you need sunglasses, so do they. Anyone who takes prescription medications should check them with a doctor to see if they increase sensitivity to high temperatures. Many medications do.

If you are exercising or doing hard physical labor you may be sweating heavily. Sweating removes salt and minerals from your body and these need to be replaced. So snack on chips, nuts, pretzels or any salty munchies. And if you have been out in the heat and are near a mall or store, take a window shopping break. Or stop at a coffee shop for a cool drink. Time spent in air conditioned comfort will give your body some protection when you go back out into the heat.