Sunstroke, heatstroke that is caused by exposure to sunlight, occurs when the body runs out of ways to adequately cool itself.Sunstroke is a very serious and life threatening condition that can be prevented with proper prevention.Common factors that lead to sunstroke can be prevented by following a few simple steps.
Step 1: Stay away from the sun.
Extreme heat and sunlight are the main causes of sunstroke.Staying out of direct sunlight is the first step in preventing sunstroke.On hot days, this is true.Keep your bare skin away from the sun as much as possible.If you have to be outside in the sun, wear a hat or umbrella.Trips to the beach are common in the summer.Try to take a break from the sun as much as you can.You can take a walk into a store with air conditioning to get some relief from the heat on your body.
Step 2: Don't go out at the hottest part of the day.
The hottest time of the day is midday to the afternoon.If you want to enjoy the outdoors or have to work outside, try to go out in the early or later parts of the day.Don't exercise outside during this time of day as well.If you are in the direct sun, exercise will cause your body temperature to rise, which will make you more prone to sunstroke.Between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm the sun is the strongest.The sun's rays are not as intense in the early morning or late afternoon.
Step 3: Get accustomed.
If you want to work in the heat or spend a lot of time outside, you should get used to the weather first.Start with small shifts in the heat and build up your resistance to the elevated temperature that you are not used to.As you get used to it, you can spend more and more time outside, but always take breaks from the heat to give your body a break.It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather, so be patient and take it slowly.It's possible to acclimate yourself a little at a time.When you go outside later in the day, turn off the air conditioner in your house.This will help you get used to the heat before you even step outside.
Step 4: Don't go into enclosed spaces.
It's possible to get sunstroke by being in an enclosed space with no air flow.This can be a house without air conditioning or fans, a car without the windows open, or a room with no cool air movement.Fans can help circulate air if you live in an area without air conditioning.It will help lower your body temperature.If you open the windows in the room, you will be able to circulate more air.Even if the windows are down, never leave yourself, a child, or an animal in a locked car.On a warm day, the air in the car will heat up and cause major problems.In 10 minutes, the temperature in a car can go up by 20 F.Check online to see if there is a public cooling space near you.If you can't afford air conditioning, try to spend some time in public spaces that have it, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, museums, etc.
Step 5: Drink a lot of fluids.
Your body suffers from sunstroke because it runs out of ways to cool itself.Your body naturally cools when it stops producing sweat.In order to keep yourself hydrated, you need to drink lots of fluids.When you come back in, this includes when you are outside.It's very important to replenish what you lost.Water is the best thing to drink when you are outside.If you're exercising outside, try sports drinks with added electrolytes.When you know you are going to be outside, make sure you have plenty of water.When you go outside, you want to be hydrated so you don't start off with less water than you need.Dehydration can be caused by alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.You should drink a quart of fluids an hour or a cup every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Light, loose fitting clothing is what you should be wearing.
Don't wear clothes that are too tight when you are outside in the heat.They should be lightweight and made of cotton or linen.This will allow you to sweat and keep your body cool.Make sure you don't wear a lot of clothing.Your body temperature can be raised by an overabundance of clothes.If you are going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time, you should wear a long sleeve shirt to protect your skin, but make sure any shirt or pants you wear are loose.
Step 7: Protect yourself from the sun.
Sunstroke can be caused by sunburn.sunburn limits your body's ability to cool itself.If you are going to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen.Broad spectrum sunscreen is at least SPF 30.The sunscreen will come off through sweat, water, and activity so apply throughout the day.Even if you have an umbrella, this is still true at the beach.The sun's reflection can cause sunburn.If you are particularly sensitive, wear hats and sunglasses.
Step 8: The symptoms of heat exhaustion can be seen.
Most of the time, heat exhaustion is a symptom of heat stroke.Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion in order to prevent sunstroke.The symptoms include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, headaches, weakness, muscle aches, and dizziness.If you notice these symptoms early on, you can treat them and avoid sunstroke, which is much more serious and requires medical attention.
Step 9: Treat heat exhaustion.
If you notice the symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's a good idea to treat them at home.Don't stay in the heat.You should go into a place with air conditioning.Drink lots of water and fluids with sugar and salt.This will help you get hydration back on track.Remove a few layers if you have a lot of clothes.Try applying a cool cloth to your skin.Don't drink alcohol.It will make your condition worse.You should call your doctor if you don't feel better within an hour.
Step 10: Immediate medical care is what you should seek.
Individuals may skip heat exhaustion symptoms and go straight to sunstroke without warning.If you suddenly have symptoms of sunstroke, you need to seek immediate care.The symptoms include high body temperature, a lack of sweating, red, hot, and flushed dry skin, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, confusion, strange behavior, disorientation and seizures.Sometimes you can slip into a coma.While waiting for emergency services, you can help cool someone who is suffering from sunstroke.If you can, get them indoors or in a shaded area and remove excess clothing.This can include giving them a cool shower, spraying them with cool water, or giving an ice pack or cold wet towel on areas that regulate temperature, such as the head, neck, and groin.