Heat Stroke Is Preventable: When Recognized The Warning Signs & Protect Yourself!

High temperatures in summer can make life pretty uncomfortable, but we often forget that the heat can be deadly. We received a harsh reminder of this when the temperature rose over 40 degrees last week in Maharashtra, leading to 300 reported cases of heat stroke in 3 days including the deaths of 5 people.

Many parts of India are reeling under record temperatures and it’s not even mid-summer! Several states have issued warning of a heat wave and recommend that people take precautions to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat Exhaustion Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

“When heat exhaustion goes untreated, it can escalate and turn into a heat stroke, which is a more serious problem as it can be fatal”

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused by your body’s inability to cope with the extreme heat. When heat exhaustion goes untreated, it can escalate and turn into a heat stroke which is a more serious problem as it can be fatal. Do not ignore any of these signs of heat exhaustion as it could land you in hospital.

– Heavy sweating

– Cold and clammy skin

– Nausea and vomiting

– Fainting

– Faster but weak pulse/heart rate

If you ignore these heat exhaustion signs, your condition is likely to deteriorate and you will suffer a heat stroke. A heat stroke is characterized by a high body temperature of 103 degrees F or more, strong and rapid heart rate, and delirium or loss of consciousness. A heat stroke is a very serious problem and you will need to be hospitalized immediately.

How To Prevent A Heat Stroke In Summer

“When humidity levels are 60% or more, it prevents the evaporation of sweat, which is the body’s way of cooling off & this increases the risk of heat stroke in summer”

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion cannot be blamed only on temperature, as humidity is also an important factor. When humidity levels are 60% or more, it prevents the evaporation of sweat, which is the body’s way of cooling off. This is why it is important to keep a track of the temperature as well as the humidity levels. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from heat stroke this summer.

Wear Loose Lightweight Clothing

“Tight clothes of synthetic material prevent sweat evaporation, stopping it from cooling down”

Nylon leggings may look summery, but they are about the worst things you can wear in summer! Tight clothes made of synthetic materials will impede sweat evaporation. Loose cotton kurtas and kurtis look chic and will also keep you cool and comfortable despite the heat.

Drink Plenty Of Water

“Adequate hydration is crucial to maintain the optimal body temperature”

You need to drink plenty of water and juices, as this will provide your body with adequate fluid to help maintain your body temperature. If you are not used to drinking water throughout your day, you can use an app to remind yourself to drink up. However, don’t go overboard and OD on water – yes, that’s actually possible!

Stay Indoors In The Afternoon

“Heat intensity outdoors is at its worst by noon & it would be best to stay indoors during the afternoon”

Schedule your meetings for early in the morning or later in the evening so that you don’t have to travel in the brutal afternoon heat. You should also adjust your daily commute to work so that you can avoid peak hours – being stuck in a hot humid train and then walking in the hot sun is just tempting fate!

Our Take

There are times when you cannot avoid going outdoors – in such cases, have a long shower as soon as you get back as this will lower your core temperature and reduce the strain on your body’s thermoregulation processes. You might not like to hear this, but alcohol can contribute to heat exhaustion, so take it easy on Friday night if you’re going to be outdoors a lot on Saturday. Don’t take heat exhaustion and heat stroke lightly or you might land up as just another statistic this summer!