July 1, 2021 /
educational / recommended
Most people appreciate the warmer weather we have been experiencing lately, especially when reminded of the very long, cold, and isolating winter we just had! In fact, this summer is projected to be one of the hottest summers in recorded history. With the hot weather, however, comes an increased risk of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. To best prevent any heat-related illness, it is important to keep your body cool and hydrated, and to know how to recognize early symptoms before they become dangerous.
Heat exhaustion
This can be characterized by a number of symptoms which include:
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Profuse sweating
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Headache
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Fast breathing
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Fast heartbeat
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Low blood pressure
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Dizziness
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Muscle cramps or weakness
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Your skin may be cool, pale and clammy
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You may experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
If the body’s temperature is not properly regulated in time, heat exhaustion can progress into heat stroke which can become life threatening.
Heat stroke
This can be characterized by a number of symptoms which include:
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Your skin may be red, hot and dry
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Your temperature may be over 39°C, yet you may stop sweating
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You may get a headache – don’t ignore this
Heat Stroke comprises many of the same symptoms of heat exhaustion – with the addition of cognitive/brain symptoms, including:
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Confusion/trouble thinking clearly,
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Trouble walking,
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Fainting/loss of consciousness,
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Seizures, or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
It is potentially FATAL. If you or someone you are with has these symptoms, get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1.
Effective ways to keep your body temperature down during a heatwave include:
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Wearing loose, lightweight and light-coloured clothing,
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Avoid being in a hot car (that goes for your pets too!)
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Limiting physical exertion – if exercising, try early in the morning or late in the evening and take many breaks, in an air conditioned room.
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Drink lots of fluids during the day, even if you are not thirsty, to replace water loss from sweating (and no – an ice-cold beer or margherita do NOT count…and in fact, alcohol and overly sugary beverages should be avoided as they further contribute to dehydration).
Other quick ways to cool your body down include:
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Spraying yourself with cool water then sitting in front of a fan,
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Taking a cool shower and not drying yourself off,
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Placing a cold pack/cool cloth on thin and highly vascular areas of the body (neck, armpits, and groin).