Best Ways to Beat the Heat (page 2 of 2)

• Summer Season
• Exercise

Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heatstroke, which requires emergency treatment. Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 105°F (40.56°C) or higher. A person with heatstroke may stop sweating. Other symptoms of heatstroke include confusion or unconsciousness, and skin that is red, hot and dry, even under the armpits.

Classic heatstroke can develop without exertion when you are exposed to a hot environment and your body cannot cool itself effectively. This type of heatstroke may develop over several days. Babies and older adults are most at risk.

Exertional heatstroke may develop when you are working or exercising in an extremely hot environment. A person suffering from exertional heatstroke may sweat profusely, but the body still produces more heat than it can lose. This causes the body's temperature to rise to high levels. Both types of heatstroke lead to severe dehydration and can cause body organs to stop functioning, so if you notice any symptoms, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
Common sense is the key to avoiding heat-related illnesses. Just follow these simple precautions:

Stay hydrated. The easiest way to avoid heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water before, during and after exercise or exposure to heat and humidity. If you're sweating heavily, you can drink a sports drink (like Gatorade) to replace lost salt (sodium) and other minerals (electrolytes).

Check your ventilation. Sitting in a shaded, open area will help your body cool through sweating. If you're indoors, you should open windows, use a fan or turn on the air conditioning during excessively hot days.

Choose clothing carefully. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will help your body breathe and cool itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts that process and dark colors absorb the sun's light and heat.

Limit yourself. Don't overdo your activity on hot days. Heatstroke can develop in less than an hour. If you feel yourself getting warm or lightheaded, it's best to take a time-out and rest in the shade.

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