Hot weather, extreme heat, drinking too little water and too much physical exertion can lead to the body getting overheated. It is important that fitness buffs know how to avoid heatstroke. This is because heatstroke is potentially fatal, and the effects of heatstroke are severe. Heatstroke can cause seizures, brain injury and problems with the liver. It affects the body’s ability to clot.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius). Other symptoms include fainting, a throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness plus a lack of sweating despite the heat. One may also get muscle weakness or cramps, feel nauseous and vomit, experience rapid heartbeat and rapid, shallow breathing. One may also feel confusion, disorientation, or staggering.
To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke with the accompanying unpleasant symptoms, here are six ways you can prevent heatstroke:
- drink plenty of water. To replace salt lost from sweating, consume isotonic drinks.
- take short breaks during long workouts. Be sure to stop if you feel unwell.
- make sure you have done the appropriate conditioning. If you are training for a marathon outdoors, be sure to give your body time to acclimatise to the weather.
- wear loose and light-coloured clothing to ensure there’s proper ventilation for sweat to evaporate.
- avoid exercising if you are unwell.
- avoid going for saunas or steam room treatments alone if you have medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
