Don't Get Too Hot!

Now I do not mean do not look good. You know you do already! And there is no limit to how sizzling you can be. But summer is coming. And jogging, running, climbing or even walking in the sun, especially around noon, can be dangerous to your health. There is a reason that some people in Mediterranean climates take a nap in the afternoon. The most fit individuals can get knocked out by those sun's rays.

It is important to drink plenty of water and to wear a hat to protect your from the sun in the heat. Remember, the sun is many times bigger than the Earth and it is the most powerful body of energy in our solar system.

There are three types of hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature: heat cramp, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are caused by a high rate of sweat that depletes the body of moisture and salt. The low salt causes muscles to cramp. These cramps can be a symptom of the more serious heat stroke as well, so be in tune with your body to know what is going on – certainly if the cramps persist for more than a few minutes, get indoors to a cooler place, and call an ambulance if need be. Drink water immediately! Taking a cool shower also helps.

Heat exhaustion usually comes from being outdoors in the heat for more than one day. People who are sick, old or exercising are more susceptible. Here are some symptoms: heavy swelling, paleness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness, a feeling of dehydration, slow and shallow breathing, and fainting. If symptoms last for half an hour, seek medical help. this could progress to heat stroke, which is sometimes fatal.

In extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat from the body by sweat, and the body temperature rises much higher than the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Often victims are dehydrated if they do not drink enough liquids and they have not been sweating enough to dissipate heat. The very young or elderly and the sick are the most susceptible,
Here are some symptoms of heat stroke: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure or coma.

Have someone call 911 immediately. The person with heat stroke must be taken
to a shady area or to a cool indoor area, preferably with air conditioning. They must drink water. Clothing must be loosened and excess clothing must be removed. Remember, it is best not to wear dark colors or black in excess heat. They absorb heat.

For all three conditions, beverages with caffeine or alcohol must be avoided.

Some information for this blog was obtained from http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm%20on%20May%2014, 2007.

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