LIFESTYLE AUTHOR
Aja Webber
PREVENT, RECOGNIZE & TREAT HEAT STROKE n With summer in full swing, heat stroke is a very real possibility. Take a look at the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and how you can prevent and, worst case scenario, treat it.
T
exas heat is no joke. With temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit this summer, the risk of a heat stroke rises exponentially. Although common, heat stroke should not to be taken lightly as there can be some serious consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, heat stroke when left untreated can lead to damage in the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The longer treatment is withheld, the worse the damage gets — sometimes even leading to death. However, knowing what to look for and how to prevent it can help keep you and others safe.
up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in as little as 10 minutes. Knowing the warning signs of heat stroke is essential for outdoor activities as it allows you to catch it earlier and prevent serious injury. Andrew Reid is a lifeguard at Founders Memorial Park Pool in Dripping Springs, Texas. At the pool, all lifeguards are required to have a basic understanding of heat stroke and how to treat it. “Some of the first signs I usually notice are a rapid breathing rate, headache and feelings of nausea,” Reid says. These, however, are just some of the indicators for heat stroke. In fact, the CDC explains the eight most important symptoms to look out for: • An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit) • Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) • Rapid, strong pulse • Throbbing headache
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. When the weather reaches extremely high temperatures, the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Your body temperature can reach
SEPTEMBER 2021
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