The weather in Malaysia nowadays is getting pretty hotter than usual. Because of that, Malaysians are asked to be very wary of the early signs of heatstroke due to the current hot and dry weather. Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature level rises above 40.5 degrees Celsius. The normal and optimum temperature of the human body would be about 37.0 degrees Celsius.
Among the early signs of heatstroke are throbbing headache, nausea, lack of sweat even in hot temperatures, and rapid pulse. Other signs include weak muscles and cramps, vomiting, dry and red skin, seizures, and blackouts. High temperatures also invite complications to the brain’s nervous system which can cause a person to have seizures, coma and can lead to death. These are some tips that can be done to avoid getting heatstroke.
1) Wear Loose Fitting And Lightweight Clothing
When you wear excess clothing or even clothing that fits tightly, it wont let air to flow hence would not allow your body to cool properly from the heat of the surrounding environment.
2) Protects Against Sunburn
Sunburn could affect your body’s ability to cool by itself. To avoid that from happening, you are advised to protect yourself while being outdoors by using a wide-brimmed hat and also sunglasses. Other than that, do not forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
3) Drink Plenty Of Waters
Drinking a lot of water can help you to stay hydrated. By staying hydrated, it will help your body to sweat and also to maintain a normal body temperature.
4) Take Extra Precautions With Certain Medications
Be extra aware of any heat-related problems if you ever take medications that can affect your body’s ability to really stay hydrated and also to dissipate heat.
5) Never Leave Anyone In A Parked Car
It might seem impossible to be done but this is actually a common cause of heat-related deaths among children. When a car got parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise more than 6.7 Celsius in just 10 minutes. In that temperature, it is 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.
6) Take Yourself Easy During The Hottest Parts Of The Day
If you have to work hard continuously during a scorching hot day, make sure you 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.
7) Adapt Yourself With The Weather
You have to really limit the time spent working or even exercising in heat until you are used to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for the body to adjust to hot weather.
Sources: Mayo Clinic Health System.