20 tips to save yourself from a heat stroke

As the mercury soars to above 40 degrees, the threats of getting a sunstroke or heat stroke are becoming very real. Here's how you can avoid one

Eisha Sarkar Posted On Times Wellness on Saturday, May 09, 2009
What's a heatstroke?

Heat stroke is the condition that happens when the body creates or takes in more heat then it can let out. Generally this condition is due to excessive exposure to a heat that the body cannot tolerate. Our body is equipped with heat-regulating mechanisms, that are constantly trying to regulate the temperature of our body. When these mechanisms are overworked for an extended period of time, they become unable to effectively regulate our temperature, which makes our body temperature climb uncontrollably.

Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a medical emergency, and the most severe form of heat-related illness. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke should be rushed to the nearest hospital or clinic. High temperatures, lack of body fluids and overexposure to the sun can all bring about heat stroke. The very young and old are especially susceptible to the hazards of this heat related illness.

Symptoms of heat stroke include

* body temperature rises and can reach nearly 105 degrees Farenheit
* decreased amount of urine passed that is dark in colour and has a strong smell
* excessive thirst - though as time goes by, this may actually reverse so that the heat stroke sufferer may actually drink less.
* headache
* muscle cramps
* dry mouth and eyes
* rapid pulse
* becoming floppy and sleepy
* vomiting
* coma

20 tips to keep you safe from a heat stroke

1. Wear: Light, loose-fitted clothes and a hat when you go out in the sun.
2. Drink: A lot of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
3. Salt: Increase the salt intake in your diet, more than what you would generally have in your meals.
4. Beat: The sun. If you feel tired or have a headache, immediately move to shade to avoid getting a heat stroke.
5. Lower: Your body temperature by putting a cool, wet rag on the back of your neck. This will cool you down faster than just putting the cloth on your face.
6. Lay easy: Lie down and put a cool, damp cloth over your forehead. Raise your feet a few inches to avoid potential shock.
7. Chill with a gola: These frozen popsicles can do you and your kids a whole lot of good.
8. Shed: Take off excess clothes if you feel the heat.
9. Sip: Cool water or salt water slowly. Too much too fast can induce a shock.
10. Ask for a doctor: Heat stroke can be potentially very serious, causing organ failure that can be fatal so you must immediately call for medical help.
11. Never: Leave your kids in the car when you are out shopping as they can succumb to a heat stroke.
12. Thanda matlab lassi: Drink buttermilk to cool down your body. Choose one that's made with fresh curds. It's one of the best solutions to decreasing body temperature.
13. Onion defence: Add onion to your food during hot summer days. Onions have a cooling effect and can help you prevent heat stroke. Throw raw onions in chutney and salads.
14. Cool with melons: Eat water-rich fruits such as pineapple and watermelon. They have a cooling effect on your body and keep you hydrated.
15. Pump in the sugar: Eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates. People who eat simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and processed foods, are more likely to have a dip in their blood sugar levels. This dip can lead to headaches and tiredness, which may contribute to heat stroke.
16. Avoid: Caffeinated beverages. Caffeine causes you to urinate more and sweat less. Fluids are flushed from your system and you are more likely to suffer from heat stroke.
17. Sports: Try to limit your outside sports to early morning or after 6 p.m. It's cooler outside during the morning and evening hours and you'll be less likely to suffer from heat stroke.
18. Use sunscreen: A sunburn can limit the skin’s ability to cool off.
19. Avoid: Alcoholic drinks as they are dehydrating.
20. Ice relief: If you get a heat stroke, place ice packs on your head, back of the neck, armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and groin.