With rising temperatures rising all over the world, it has now become a need to know the preventions of being struck by heat – in other words, having a heat stroke. Recently, in the city of Karachi, over 400 people have been under attack by the heat. As we are aware, it is the month of Ramadan for Muslims across the globe. Which means fasting and no water. It is recommended that Muslims thoroughly read this article, especially if you’re living in Karachi, to know the tips to preventing yourself and others from a heat stroke.
What is a Heat Stroke?
The human body is very productive at cooling itself usually. You can lose some amount of heat through your skin by sweating. As we know, our bodies also are of 60% water, which helps to cool you of through sweating. However, when your body becomes dehydrated, it is unable to do that. So as a result, your body temperature starts rising and can rise up to 140 or higher, causing a heat stroke. Also, if a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, and the person is not treated, it can lead to a heat stroke.
So, how do you know if a person is having a heat stroke?
Heatstroke Symptoms
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion, agitation, or disorientation
- feeling sluggish or fatigued
- hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
- an extremely high temperature
- loss of consciousness
- rapid heart beat
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
If you or anyone you know starts to suffer from any of the above symptoms, it best that you take them to the hospital right away. As you are waiting to reach there, make an ice pack by putting lots of ice cubes in a tablecloth and putting behind their head and armpits.
Heatstroke Prevention Guide
However, it is possible to even prevent or let alone let a heatstroke happen to you. Follow these measures to prevention of having a heat stroke.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing –Avoid wearing excessive clothing, as well as tight clothing. It is important to avoid mostly dark colors especially black as it absorbs the heat, leaving your body not to cool off.
- Protect against sunburn –Getting sunburned, lowers the speed of your body cooling off itself. It is a necessity in the climate we live in right now, to put on at least 30 SPF sunscreen on our bodies generously. If you don’t have sunblock, then wear hats or caps to hide yourself as much from the sun as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids –Because it is the Ramadan season for Muslims, it is essential to hydrate yourself with as much fluids as possible, when not fasting. As well for the rest, it is important that your body stays hydrated, as it can only maintain its temperature then.
- Never leave anybody in a parked automobile – This is a typical reason for deaths caused by heat in children. When you are parked under the heat of the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes. It’s not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day –If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.