Summer time is the best time! Perfect for outdoor barbecues, spending time out on the water and kickball tournaments. Going to baseball games and getting to harvest all of your spring gardening efforts. While this summer may look a little different due to COVID-19, spending time outdoors is still a safe fun way to enjoy this wonderful season.
However, with summer fun in the sun comes some potential danger of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It’s important as temperatures rise that people know the differences between a heat stroke and exhaustion, how to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion and how to alleviate symptoms.
The Differences
The main difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion is that a stroke can be much more dangerous than exhaustion.
Some heat exhaustion symptoms include:
-
Fainting
-
Nausea and Vomiting
-
General weakness
-
Clammy Skin
Some heat stroke symptoms include:
-
An elevated internal body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
-
Loss of consciousness
-
Rapid heartbeat
Both heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very serious medical conditions, and you should seek help if you think you have either condition.
How to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion
If you want to learn how to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion, the most important thing is to try and keep cool and recognize the warning signs. Be aware of your body and your body’s limits to not push it too far. If it is extremely hot outside, consider avoiding activities until it is cooler, If you absolutely must go out, follow as many of these prevention tips as possible.
-
Wear cool and light clothes. The sun is attracted to darkers colors and dark clothing will absorb more heat, by wearing white or similarly light colors, you will be able to stay cooler.
-
Always wear sunscreen. If you get sunburned, you can affect your body’s ability to cool off and leave you dehydrated, which can worsen heat exhaustion symptoms.
-
The most important tip on how to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion is to drink plenty of water. Stay away from sugary drinks and alcohol which can deplete your body of water. If you are sweating a lot make sure you replenish yourself with electrolytes as well.
Treatment
If you notice any warning signs or symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion, you are going to want to act quickly to cool your body down. Get out of the sun, find a cooler place to rest, preferably someplace with air conditioning, and rehydrate. Experts recommend taking a cool bath or shower to surround your body with something cold.
If after 15 minutes, your symptoms do not appear to be getting any better, seek medical attention. Your body can switch from heat exhaustion to a heat stroke in a blink of an eye if proper precautions are not taken. If you experience a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, your body will become more susceptible to it happening again at least the next week. It would be in your best interest to avoid outdoor activities and heavy exercise during that window of time.
Civil Dispatch
Civil Dispatch makes your safety a priority. With our weather notifications features, we are able to inform rural communities of heat wave advisories in an instant. Help to keep your neighborhood prepared and safe by signing up today!