How to avoid Sunstroke? 8 Ways on how to avoid Heatstroke

In summers, it becomes very difficult for the body to maintain blood pressure due to extreme heat. Staying long in high temperature and sunlight can make you feel dizzy and dehydrated and can cause the body’s temperature to go extremely high and you can probably suffer from Sunstroke. Sunstrokes are very common during the summer season and it can possibly damage your brain or internal organs. If you are wondering on how to avoid Sunstroke, then keep on reading for further paragraphs.

What is Sunstroke?

Sunstroke or Heat Stroke is a medical emergency which can cause severe damage to the body and sometimes result in death. Sunstroke can cause major instability in the central nervous system, dryness on the skin, and rapid pulse. When the body temperature rises, the body can experience dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulties, paced heartbeat, hypertension, etc. you can also experience no sweating despite so much heat, vomiting, confusion, disorientation and hallucination, muscle weakness and cramps, loss of consciousness, staggering and irritability.

How to Avoid Sunstroke?

Someone rightly said, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. As it can cause a lot of problem lately, it is better to avoid the situation and be extra cautious with kids and elderly. Here we are going to discuss how to avoid sunstroke during this hot summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated does not mean that you have to drink 4-5 liters of water every day. It simply means that you should eat and drink in the right proportion that your body does not go dehydrated.

Our body gets nearly twenty percent of water from the fruits and vegetables we eat. In summers, make sure you have increase your fruits and vegetables intake along with fluids like buttermilk, coconut water and aam-panna, etc, to keep yourself hydrated. Tomatoes and berries are good for hydration and snaking as well.

Also we get cucumber in summers, that has the highest content of water than any other solid food and it makes it a super necessary food to eat. Watermelon and muskmelon are great, as they are a good source of potassium, vitamin A and Vitamin C. Opt for healthy choices and stay away from aerated drinks as much as possible.

2. Say hi to Loose-fitting and Light Colored Clothes

In summers, do opt for light colored loose clothes as they can let your skin breathe. Always choose breathable and light-weight fabrics and avoid the synthetic ones. Light-weight fabrics like cotton and linen absorb the sweat easily. Stick to light colors, especially when you are on the go. Usually, dark colors absorb light and this can make you feel much hotter. Whereas a light colored dress will reflect light and keep you cool throughout the day.

3. Listen To Your Body

Your body tells you everything; you just need to listen to it. Even when you are taking all the precautions while going out in summers, still you may be at a risk for heat exhaustion or sunstroke, so make sure to listen to your body. If you are feeling dizziness, nauseous or having trouble in breathing, then immediately stop doing whatever you are doing and just relax. Don’t exhaust yourself while travelling and don’t ignore the symptoms.

4. Hot Shower

If your body temperature seems higher than normal and you are having trouble in lowering it down, try taking hot shower. It can rinse off any dirt or dust and the dead skin cells, which are making you, feel hotter. Taking a cold shower can make you feel better and give you a nice satisfying feeling, but your body could react badly, as it can raise the body temperature.

5. Cover Yourself Up

Don’t forget to wear a hat or scarf while you are out in the sun, as it can protect your skin from the UV rays. Also try to take sunglasses wherever you go. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Sunglasses are a great accessory to protect your eyes from the UV rays.

6. Sunscreen is a Must

Sunscreen is very important in all the seasons, whether it is summers, spring or winter. Sunscreen blocks out the ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are responsible for cancerous tumor. No matter how long you stay out in the sun, you need to religiously include the sunscreen in your daily routine.

Apply sunscreen all over your body parts that are exposed to the sunlight, before stepping out of the house. Adults should opt for sunscreen not less than SPF30, while children should use a sunscreen not less than SPF50 to have a healthy summer and protective skin.

7. Avoid Spices and Junk Food

You are always suggested that homemade food is the best for you and especially for your kids. But we all know that we cannot avoid the outside food completely. But in summers, if the spice levels are high in your food, it can make you feel too hot. Having spicy food or junk food during this time of the year can cause general discomfort and can be noxious.

8. Stay Indoors during peak hours of the day

 Limit your exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 4pm). Try to schedule outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day (early in the morning or after sunset). Sun rays are bad for your skin as well as for your eyes.

Immediate Remedies for Sunstroke

Even after taking all the precautions, you or anyone around you get the sunstroke, then these are the first aid remedies for immediate relief.

1. Do not apply pastes, oils or other ointments on the affected areas.
2. Do not break the blisters on the body.
3. Do not give any medicine without consulting a doctor.
4. Move the affected person to a cool, shady area.
5. Rub the body with cold water or ice-cubes and keep his clothes wet.
6. Try to bring the body temperature reduced to normal somehow.
7. Take the person to a hospital immediately.
8. Do not give the person anything by mouth if he is vomiting or unconscious.
9. Give salted buttermilk, coconut water or ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) water.
10. Lie down with feet raised by about a foot. This will help avoid potential shock.

Also Read – Summer Health Tips for Students

Final Words

If you take proper precautions and stay indoors during the peak hours, you can avoid the sunstroke easily. Summers are the time when our body needs more attention than any other season of the year. If you have any query on how to avoid Sunstroke, do let us know in the comment section below. Until next time, stay healthy and blessed.