| Summer and outdoors are synonymous with physical | | | | body area, which will keep you cooler and safe from |
| activity. While having fun in the sun, it is important to | | | | the danger of heatstroke. |
| take note that high temperatures and/or excessive | | | | If you are planning prolonged physical activity in the |
| humidity can pose dangers. One of the dangers to be | | | | heat you can take the some preventive measures. |
| aware of is that of heat stroke. | | | | Have plenty of water and/or sports drinks on hand |
| Heat stroke occurs as a result of long, extreme | | | | to prevent dehydration. Wear clothing that allows |
| exposure to the sun. When a person does not sweat | | | | you to sweat and will prevent overheating. Take |
| enough to cool down core temperature rises quickly | | | | breaks and sit in a shaded area to cool down. |
| and heatstroke occurs. | | | | What To Do If Heat Stroke Is Suspected |
| The first aid in this article in no way precludes | | | | A rapid rise in body temperature, irritability, confusion, |
| immediate medical attention. Heatstroke progresses | | | | nausea, dry red skin, hallucinations, and a rapid |
| very quickly and is life threatening. Though first aid | | | | heartbeat are some early signs of heatstroke. |
| measures can be taken, time is crucial and help should | | | | Sometimes there may be a loss of consciousness. |
| be summoned immediately. | | | | If you suspect someone may have heat stroke call |
| Risk Factors | | | | 911 immediately for help. Get the person out of the |
| Infants and the elderly are among the highest risk for | | | | sun into a shaded or air-conditioned area. |
| heatstroke, as well as are the obese, alcoholics, | | | | If possible immerse the person in a tub of ice water, |
| persons taking certain medications, or those with | | | | spray them with a garden hose, or wrap them in cool |
| cardiovascular disease. | | | | sheets. The objective is to cool them down as |
| Summer sports and prolonged physical activity in the | | | | quickly as possible until their body temperature drops |
| sun can be potentially dangerous. Over motivated | | | | to 101-102°F. Do not give the victim fluids to |
| athletes can overheat by exerting themselves too | | | | drink. |
| much too quickly or trying to endure for too long a | | | | Move quickly, heat stroke can be fatal with-in the |
| time. Children tend to overexert themselves | | | | hour. If medical assistance does not arrive after you |
| physically without giving heed to their bodies' | | | | have cooled them down, call a hospital emergency |
| warnings. | | | | room for further advice. |
| If you are going to be playing summer sports or | | | | In conclusion, during outdoor physical activities wear |
| involved in prolonged outdoor activities, it is wise to | | | | lightweight, breathable clothing. Keep plenty of water |
| acclimate yourself to the conditions over a week or | | | | and sport drinks on hand. Acclimate yourself to the |
| two, taking it slow and for short periods of time. | | | | sun and heat gradually. Follow these steps when |
| Once having been acclimated to the heat you will | | | | planning your outdoor activities and have a wonderful |
| sweat quicker, in greater volume, and over a wider | | | | and safe summer. |