Five tips to prevent heat stroke

Also, here are the warning signs you should look for if you or a loved one is experiencing heat stroke

School is out, days are longer and even though temperatures are heating up, a lot of us will spend many days enjoying the outdoors at the beach or by the pool or picnicking with friends at the park.

While all that sounds fun, you also need to be smart about being outside this summer. That’s because exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various types of heat-related illness. The most severe form of heat-related illness is heat stroke.

A heat stroke can occur when the body heats to a temperate above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, explains Dr. Jerrod Anderson, primary care physician at our St. Joseph’s/Candler Richmond Hill Campus at Heartwood. This can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

Heat stroke can be both treated and prevented. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself and your family from heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stroke

It’s important to know the signs of a heat stroke, especially anyone who spends long periods of time outside. Common symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Nausea
• Confusion or behavior changes
• Headache
• Fast heart rate
• Dry or damp skin
• Fainting

Severe heat stroke could lead to seizures and even coma, Dr. Anderson adds.

Treating heat stroke

“If you see someone experiencing signs of a heat stroke, immediately call 9-1-1,” Dr. Anderson advises.

You should also get the person to a shaded area, remove any excess clothes and cool the person down as much as possible. Some ways to safely cool down are to wet the person, put ice packs on their neck and armpits, fan their face and mist them with water, Dr. Anderson says.

Preventing heat stroke

Even in the South, where temperatures in the summertime reach above 100 degrees and humidity seems to drip from the sky, it is possible to prevent heat stroke.

Some general guidelines to help protect you and your family from heat stroke include:

• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water is the best option. Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine, such as teas, coffee or soda. These can lead to dehydration.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible. Ideally, you want to try to do your outdoor activities first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
• Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You should always wear a hat and sunglasses or use an umbrella.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes necessary fluids, electrolytes and nutrients that will help your body maintain a proper temperature.
• Check your medications to see if any put you at an increased risk of a high body temperature. (Examples include but are not limited to: diuretics, antidepressants and antihistamines)

Dr. Anderson emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated in the summer and encourages everyone to get enough fluids.

“People are out there working or playing in the sun and not drinking enough water,” Dr. Anderson says. “Be careful about being in the heat too long and make sure you’re staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, staying in the shade as much as possible and always use sunscreen.”

Dr. Anderson is board certified in family medicine. He sees patients at our Richmond Hill Campus at Heartwood and is accepting new patients. To request an appointment, fill out this form online or call our office at 912-819-9620.