Decrease Your Risk Of Heatstroke And Dehydration

By Better Health Research Team • Aug 2nd, 2010 • Category: Health E-Hint

Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke can be the best prevention against developing more serious weather-related health conditions, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians. Cases of heat stroke, dehydration and exhaustion increase during the summertime and children under the age of 4 are most vulnerable.

Symptoms of heat stroke include cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, paleness and heart-rate changes, states assistant professor Jan Berger of Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Berger suggests people suffering from heatstroke can help lower their high body temperature by finding a cool place out of the sun… removing any excess clothing… placing cool towels on the extremities… and slowly drinking small amounts of water.

Other recommendations from medical professionals regarding your time spent in the heat include:

Check the weather and know the temperature and heat index forecast for that particular day so you can be prepared.
Plan activities in the early morning or early evening to avoid the high temps of midday.
Sunscreen, light-colored clothing and hats are a must to protect your skin from sunburn.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and avoid sugary sodas, fruit juices or sports drinks. A good rule of thumb is 8 ounces for every hour in the sun.
Check your medications to see if there are any precautions about sun or heat exposure.

If possible, take breaks throughout the day in the shade or air-conditioning.