As we start to make our way into the nice, warm weather that we have all been waiting for, it's important to remember and make sure you are staying safe.
In hot weather and extreme heatwaves our bodies may overheat and become exhausted and dehydrated.
Heatstroke is present when we are unable to treat heat exhaustion, which is why knowing symptoms of both is highly important. Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke to look out for include:
- Headaches (both)
- Dizziness (heat exhaustion)
- Muscle weakness (heat exhaustion)
- Nausea (both)
- Pale skin (heat exhaustion)
- High temperature (both, however, a sudden rise in high temperature is present with heatstroke)
- Confusion (heatstroke)
- Hot, red and dry skin (heatstroke)
- Sleepiness (heatstroke)
- Aggression (heatstroke)
- Loss of consciousness (heatstroke)
- Intense thirst (heatstroke)
If you begin to feel any of the above symptoms, it's important that you move to a cool area and drink plenty of water.
You can also take steps in preventing these symptoms by:
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing SPF everyday
- Wearing protective clothing such as hats
- Not spending a lot of time in direct heat (11am – 3pm)
- Going into open water to cool down if able to
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Closing curtains etc
- Cooling down indoors
- Using a fan
Even though hot weather and heatwaves can be dangerous for anyone there are some people who are more at risk. These people include:
- Older people
- Babies and young children
- People with mobility problems
- People with mental health problems
- People living with long term health problems
- People who already high temperature due to infections etc
- People who spend a lot of time outside
By following all the advice above you will be able to effectively help towards preventing the chances of getting heat exhaustion and suffering from heatstroke.
Remember that if symptoms get worse it is important that you seek extra help from a medical professional.
Stay ahead and find advice on staying safe in the winter HERE
