How to Stay Safe From Heatstroke This Summer

How to Stay Safe From Heatstroke This Summer

As the world’s climate continues to warm, deaths from high temperatures are likely to become more common. Because of this, it’s never been more important to know what heatstroke is and how to avoid it.

 

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke happens when a person’s body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. It can cause organ or brain damage, or even death. Anyone can experience heatstroke, but young children, people aged 65 and older, and those who are sick or overweight have a higher risk.

Some common signs of heatstroke are red skin, vomiting, fainting, and headaches.Heatstroke can also cause a person’s breathing and heart rate to speed up as the body tries to cool itself down.

 

How to avoid heatstroke

Some easy ways to stay cool include drinking lots of water and staying out of the sun.Sunburn can make it harder for your body to cool down, so remember to wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Try not to exercise outside during the hottest times of day, and don’t push yourself too hard, as it can take several weeks for your body to get used to hot weather. Also, try to avoid coffee and alcohol.

 

What to do if someone gets heatstroke

If you think someone might have heatstroke, call an ambulance and get them to a hospital as soon as possible. While you wait for the ambulance, move them somewhere out of the sun and try to cool them down by wetting their clothes or putting them in a cool bath or shower. Another option is to use ice or a wet cloth to cool down their head or neck.