Beware: Heatstroke!!!

In about a week, some students will be heading off to warm and tropical places for spring break. Spending a week in the sun and on the beach is great way to relax and have fun, but there are also some dangers that spring breakers need to be aware of. After spending months in the cold, the body isn’t always prepared to handle the heat. Many of the tropical places that students go on break have temperatures that New Hampshire only sees at the peak of summer. When the body experiences overwhelming temperature, heat exhaustion can occur. The body responds to temperatures that are much hotter than it is used to by sending out some warning signs. According to an article on abcnews.com, the first signs of heat exhaustion include headache, a feeling of weakness, nausea and muscle cramping. Dehydration is also related, so it is important to make sure that the body gets enough sustainable liquids. Alcohol can cause the body to become dehydrated more quickly, so it is important to drink water. Dehydration means that the body doesn’t have enough water and or salt to function properly. The body loses water through excessive urination, vomiting or diarrhea. It is important in a hot climate to drink water throughout the day to make sure that the body is replenished. The body needs enough electrolytes to be able to cope with the heat. Heat stroke is more severe and can cause damage to vital organs like the brain and central nervous system if untreated. When the body is experiencing heat stroke, its own temperature has risen above 104 degrees. Extertional heat stroke occurs when a person exercises in a hot environment and the body is unable to physically deal with the combination of stress and temperature. The most common type of heat stroke is called classic heat stroke, and it is the body’s response to being in hot temperatures for an extended amount of time. With all heat-related illnesses, there are symptoms to look out for. They include headache, agitation, lightheadedness, muscle aches and cramping, and a feeling of weakness. In severe heat stroke, symptoms of hallucinations, seizures and coma can occur. These symptoms can mean that there is something serious going on in the body and should be treated right away. People experiencing heat exhaustion or stroke may not sweat a lot either so it is important to be aware of what the body is trying to say. Treatment of heat-related illnesses is simple. If a person if suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke, he or she needs to be moved to a cooler location and out of the sun. Lukewarm water can be sprinkled on the person while fanning him or her to help encourage evaporation. Ice packs can also be applied to the person’s underarms, neck and groin. Everyone wants to have a good time on spring break, and no one wants a trip to the emergency room. It is just important that when sun is involved, proper precautions be taken. Wear sunscreen, drink enough fluids and limit alcohol intake, especially from twelve to two when the sun is at its peak. Paying a little bit of attention to the body and its needs will prevent any unexpected dangers along the way.