Temperatures are expected to soar to 34C in the UK today (Friday 17 June) as Londoners brace for the hottest day of the year so far. As we know, Brits like to complain about the weather – it’s either too cold, too rainy or too hot. But if it hits temperatures like today’s, that complaint might be warranted.
As the weather warms up this week, it’s important to remember that rising temperatures can affect our health and well-being – including the dangers of heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, but if it turns into heat exhaustion it needs to be treated as an emergency.
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Level 3 is the second most severe warning that the forecaster can issue
(Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
What is Heat Fatigue vs. Heat Stroke?
Heat exhaustion can develop over a few hours or days of exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. It can be caused by sitting in the sun for too long, sitting in a hot car, or even exercising when it’s hot.
First signs such as headache, dizziness and confusion, nausea, excessive sweating, cramps in the limbs, rapid breathing and/or heart rate, excessive thirst, a temperature of 38°C or more. Symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children can become limp and sleepy.
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be chilled. But if symptoms don’t improve after 30 minutes of cooling down, it’s possible it’s heat stroke. This can be an emergency situation and in the most severe cases can be fatal as the body’s inability to cool down puts extra pressure on the organs. It is especially dangerous for people with long-term health problems, the elderly or the very young.
Signs of heat stroke including not sweating even when it is too hot, a temperature of 40°C or more, shortness of breath, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.
What to do if someone has heat stroke or heat exhaustion?
If you are heat exhausted, find a cool place to rest and drink plenty of water. According to the NHS, if someone has heat stroke, follow these 4 steps:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Get them to lie down and lift their feet slightly.
- Get them to drink lots of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are fine.
- Cool your skin – spray or swam with cold water and fan. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are also good.
As with heat stroke, if after 30 minutes the person does not respond to attempts to cool them down, calling 999 is recommended. Place the person in the recovery position while you wait for help. If they have a seizure, move nearby objects out of the way to avoid injury.
drink enough
This will minimize the risk of heat stroke
- Close the windows and lower the blinds when it’s hotter outside. If it’s cooler, you can open the windows for airing
- If you are prone to heat exposure, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day (11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.).
- Listen to alerts on radio, TV, and social media to stay cool.
- Drink plenty of water – look out for signs of dark urine, which could indicate you’re dehydrated
- Avoid sitting in the car for a long time – Small enclosed spaces, such as B. cars, can get dangerously hot very quickly.
- Bring everything you need like a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat.
- If you must venture out in the heat, walk in the shade, put on sunscreen, and wear a hat and light clothing.
- Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors who may be less able to take care of themselves
If you want to train in this heat, do it early in the morning when it’s cooler and do shorter, slower workouts. You can also try a less strenuous exercise like yoga or stretching.
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