Heat Stroke Alert!

CEBU, Philippines — It may look like summer is already starting to go on a downward spiral. In the last few days, there have been rain showers and thunderstorms, albeit quite isolated and far between. But, no, the weatherman says summer is still very much here.

Therefore, everyone needs to remain careful in the hot weather. The usual precautions shall continue. Especially today when people have to go out to vote.

One of the summer threats to bear in mind is heat stroke. It is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. Health experts advise that if someone is suspected to be experiencing heat stroke, an ambulance shall be summoned at once and first aid given until paramedics arrive.

People over age 50 (very much within the voters’ age bracket) are said to be mainly at risk. But heat stroke can also take a toll on healthy young athletes. It can cause damage to the brain and other internal organs – or can be fatal.

Everyone has to be keenly observant for the signs of heat stroke. It often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can also strike even if there have been no previous signs of heat injury.

It is very important to identify the symptoms soonest. The website www.wedmd.com explains that “heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures – usually in combination with dehydration – which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.” It is characterized by body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures.

The website cites other common symptoms including nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. The symptoms may also include throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack of sweating despite the heat; red, hot, and dry skin; muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak; rapid, shallow breathing; behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering; seizures, and unconsciousness.

As the cliché goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And there are precautionary measures that everyone can take. In general, it is advisable to stay in a cool place (example, air-conditioned) when the day gets too hot. If one must go outdoors, the www.webmd.com website suggests taking the following steps:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or more.

• Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, it’s generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Because heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

• Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors. The general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if not thirsty.

• Reschedule or cancel outdoor activity. If possible, shift your time outdoors to the coolest times of the day, either early morning or after sunset.

In the light of today’s elections, it is better to go to the polling precinct early – with an umbrella, a bottle of clean drinking water, and a hand fan tucked neatly in a small bag. These can at least help a bit in alleviating the effects of the summer heat. Staying in the shade will help too, where there is no air-conditioning.