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In This Heat Watch Out for Heat Stroke

By
Real Estate Agent with Broker 0576813

When the summer temperatures climb heat stroke can become a reality for anyone. There are certainly those who are more at risk than others, but in the right conditions anyone can succumb to heat stroke. It's important to understand the risk factors, the likelihoods, and the early symptoms in order to prevent a tragedy from happening.

 

Heat stroke is essentially the process of overheating the internal organs of the body in a way that shuts off the brain. It happens to children, adults, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. Unfortunately, every year children and family dogs are left in cars during the summer heat and perish under the extreme intensity of the sun through the glass. Never leave anyone in your car unattended, not even just for a few moments.

 

A car without air conditioning can be like an inferno. Just because you are in the car does not mean you can't become a victim of heat stroke. Notice your condition and when you become uncomfortably hot you should stop, find a cool area, get a drink of water, and allow your body to cool down.

 

Heat stroke is more likely to occur to people who live without air conditioning. Mobile homes that have no air conditioning are placing the occupants at an even higher risk. One of the essential tools for surviving summer heat without air conditioning is to use a fan and hydration properly. Fans can create wind tunnels that cool the interior of a home, mobile home, or apartment effectively enough to maintain a safe temperature. Hydrating the body helps to cool it and prevent the effects of dehydration, which can be just as deadly.

 

People who are uncomfortably hot should seek refuge inside. If the heat inside is dangerously high or there is great discomfort in the indoor heat people of all ages should help cool themselves down with cool washcloths, wrapped ice packs, and hand fans. Do not use ice against the skin or place cold water on hot skin.

 

Never drink alcohol on a hot day. It's likely to intensify the probability of heat stroke and dehydration. It might seem refreshing going down but within minutes your body starts to lose valuable water.

 

The signs of heat stroke are often similar to dehydration and fatigue. You become tired, lethargic, you may have a headache and just want to lie down. If your body has stopped sweating you need to go straight to the emergency room. Intense heat has the ability to increase the likelihood for heart attacks, dehydration, and the worsening of chronic conditions. You can always find fun ways for staying cool provided that you act accordingly.

Comments (2)

Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

James-very important info to pass on.

Aug 18, 2011 04:16 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Of course you couuld always move to Hawaii where the temperatures rarely reach the 90's even in the hottest part of summer!

Aug 18, 2011 04:24 PM