How to Prevent Heat Stroke
Summer brings with it a host of activities that, in many instances, lay dormant during the off season. Things like gardening, riding your bike, walking or running, and enjoying a day at the beach – all fun while they last, but over all too soon. But while the warm weather season rolls on, excess exposure to the sun can quickly lead to heat stress – a condition that occurs when the body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature, around 98.6°F for most individuals.
What’s more, heat stress can lead to heat rashes, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. So, if you find yourself sweating, feeling dizzy, tired, or weak, or experiencing a fast and weak pulse, here are a few things you can do to find relief quickly and prevent more serious issues.
- Take a cold foot bath. Fill a basin or bathtub with a few inches of cold water and ice cubes, place your feet inside, and relax for up to 20 minutes. You can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for an extra cool sensation.
- Drink coconut water to feel refreshed and revitalized. Coconut water contains vitamins and electrolytes that help rehydrate you naturally without added sugar or other additives.
- Enjoy a peppermint beverage. Due to its menthol content, peppermint provides a cooling sensation. Pour yourself a tall glass of peppermint tea (hot or iced) and sip, don’t gulp it.
- Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumber, and celery – all high in water content. Or combine a few such ingredients with yogurt and some ice for a refreshing smoothie.
- Take a breather. Sitali breath, a yoga breathing technique, can help you relax and cool down physically and mentally. Simply sit in a comfortable position, stick your tongue out and roll the outer edges together (like a hot dog bun) or pucker your lips, slowly inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose. Continue for up to 5 minutes until you feel the cooling effect take hold.
- If you plan on being in direct sunlight, wear a wide brim hat and loose, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Keep aloe vera gel in the fridge or a cooler and apply to your skin for a cooling effect when needed.
- Drink a glass of cold buttermilk. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to help improve your metabolism and boost your energy levels when you feel drained by heat and humidity.
Of course, you won’t be helping your own cause if you come from scathing outdoor weather back inside where you have either no air conditioning or a system that can barely dry your sweat. That’s why, for summertime cool air and maximum comfort, Correct Temp is great to have nearby. Call us anytime for all your home heating and cooling needs.
