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Heat-related illnesses can strike without warning. For those who live in a warmer climate or vacation to warmer regions during the winter, heat stroke and other illnesses can present a real threat –especially for those who are unaware of the risks.
Being aware of the dangers that heat can cause to the unprepared can help to drastically cut back on the risk of illness. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent heat-related illnesses.
On a hot day, you should drink water every 15 minutes. Keep hydrated with water, and avoid drinks with alcohol or large amounts of sugar in them as these can cause you to dehydrate. In addition to water, a sports drink can help to replace minerals that are lost in sweat.
If possible, avoid strenuous activity in hot weather –especially during the middle of the day when it’s at its hottest. Avoid intense exercise between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and instead limit your outdoor activity to the cooler hours of the morning and evening.
If you’re feeling tired or faint, it’s important to stop, and rest. Sit in the shade, or in an air conditioned room and give yourself a few minutes to refresh and recover.
Make sure you wear light, loose-fitting clothing. You can also protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Finally, watch out for the signs of heat stroke. Confusion, feeling faint, severe vomiting, nausea, and a fast heart rate can all be signs of a serious heat-related illness.
The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses is by being aware of the risk, ensuring that you have enough to drink –and being careful not to overdo it on a hot day.
If you are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses even after you’ve cooled off, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
