During hot weather, it’s important to recognize the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a condition where your body is unable to regulate its temperature and cool itself. Heat stroke deaths are more common than deaths from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Taking the proper precautions when it’s hot outside can keep you healthy and out of the emergency department.
Normally, you cool off by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating isn’t enough. When your body reaches extreme temperatures, your brain and other vital organs can’t function properly. When it’s humid outside, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly and your body can’t release heat. Below are common warning signs of heat stroke:
• Confusion or dizziness
• Nausea or throbbing headache
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Extremely high body temperature
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Unconsciousness
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, call 911 immediately. In the meantime, get out of the sunlight and begin cooling down by either immersing yourself in a tub of water, taking a cold shower, spraying yourself with cool water from a garden hose or by wrapping your body in a cool, wet sheet.
• Limit yourself. Be careful not to do too much outside on hot days and if you do have to be outdoors, try to schedule your activities in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler.
• Drink enough water. Most doctors recommend drinking eight or more glasses of water a day during normal weather conditions and twice that much during hot spells. Avoid liquids containing caffeine or alcohol. These act as a diuretic, meaning they make you urinate more often, causing dehydration.
• Stay inside. If you’re indoors, use an air conditioner on excessively hot days. If you don’t have an air conditioner, use an electric fan and try to stay on the lowest floor out of the sunlight. Dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing to help stay cool.
• Replace electrolytes. Sweating removes salt and other minerals from your body. A sports energy drink can replace nutrients lost during sweating.
In addition to taking care of yourself, remember to check on loved ones and neighbors in extreme heat. This includes infants, children, the elderly and those who are obese or physically sick. These peoples’ bodies are less tolerant of heat and dehydration. For more information on preventing heat stroke, be sure to talk to your health care provider at Riverview Health.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Sources: CDC.gov, RedCross.org
