These 9 Useful Tips Will Help You Prevent Heatstroke And Heat Exhaustion
A brutal heatwave sweeping across India has made people susceptible to?an array of?heat-related illnesses. The most common of them is heat exhaustion, which happens when your body overheats and?is?not able to?cool down.?If left?untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke,?a?serious?medical condition which can turn life-threatening.?Recently, Bollywood actor and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan suffered a heatstroke after attending an IPL match and had to?be hospitalised.?
Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness,?headache, nausea, agitation, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat and muscle cramps. If you?are someone who spends?a long time outdoors?even?in the scorching?summer?months,?keep reading to learn?9?simple ways to?avoid heat illnesses.?
Tips To Avoid Heatstroke And Heat Exhaustion
1) Stay Hydrated?
Don't?wait to drink water until you are thirsty!?Staying hydrated by consuming water?and sports?drinks or other electrolyte-rich beverages is essential to replenish fluids?that?your body loses through sweating.?
2) Time Your Activities
Pay attention to warnings about high temperatures and plan your day accordingly. If you?are someone who exercises?outdoors, do so early in the morning or late in the evening.
3) Pace Yourselves
If doing strenuous activities outdoors?like high-intensity exercises or physical labour, it is?extremely important?to keep taking small breaks in between.?Even if you have to be?outdoors?try to look?for shaded areas and?avoid?direct sunlight.
4) Wear Loose and Lightweight Clothes
Choosing light-coloured and loose-fitting helps to cool your body down.?Tight and heavy clothes can trap heat and hinder your body from regulating its temperature, so clothing with?natural and breezy fabrics that are breathable?is the way to go!?Pairing your outfit with scarves and hats?when going?outdoors is a great way to avoid direct sunlight.
Also Read:?7 Cool And Breezy Fabrics That Will Keep You Comfortable In Summers
5) Assimilate Your Body To The Heat
It generally takes several?weeks for the body to get used to hot weather. If you are not used to extreme heat or have moved from a colder region, limit your time?spent?outdoors and let your body get used to it.?Also,?take a few minutes of?pause in a shaded area if you are stepping outside in the direct sunlight from a cold air-conditioned space.
6) Apply Sunscreen
Sunburns can make it harder for your body to cool itself.?Make sure?to apply a broad-spectrum sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Make sure to?apply?your sunscreen if you are outdoors and sweating.
7) Avoid Caffeinated Drinks And Alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol make your body lose more fluids and worsen heat exhaustion. Try limiting or?better?yet,?foregoing?such drinks altogether on oh-so-hot days.
8) Eat Small And Light Meals
Consuming large carb-rich meals can give rise to?a lot of?heat in your body. Avoid heavy meals and go for a light and balanced meal containing essential minerals and nutrients.?Adding food items like watermelon and cucumber with high water content to your diet can help?to maintain proper hydration in your body.
9) Be Extra Careful If?You¡¯re?Sick
If you have recently recovered from an illness or take medications, especially for something that?puts you at an increased?risk of heat-related illness, avoid stepping out during extreme heat.?Listen to your body and seek immediate assistance if you feel unwell or notice symptoms of overheating.
Whether you are young and healthy or not,?heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke can?lead to severe repercussions if left untreated. Worst-case scenarios include brain damage, organ failure and even death.?So follow these tips to stay safe and?healthy during the long, hot summer.
Also Read:?Coconut Water Should Be Your Go-To Morning Beverage And Here's Why
For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit?Indiatimes Lifestyle.
