We all love the sun. When we are children there is nothing more joyful than to run free in our glorious sunshine. Children play with abandon and do not realize that they are getting over heated. When we get older we spend hours playing Golf or playing Bowls or Tennis. We expose ourselves to harsh temperatures over long periods.
Young children and older people and people with impaired ability to sweat or are obese are at higher risk.
Covering up or smearing a lot of sunscreen over our bodies can also contribute to heatstroke. This prevents us from cooling down. Other risk factors include, dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.
Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. It follows heat cramps and exhaustion. Heatstroke results from exercise, sport or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake.
The early symptoms of heatstroke are:
- Feeling dizzy or light headed
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fainting (this maybe the first sign in adults)
What makes heatstroke severe and potentially life threatening is that the body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and heat control is inadequate.
It is far more sensible to keep our bodies COOL at all times. Use our super COOL COLLARS whenever you are going out into the sun. We do not advise putting ice around the neck or freezing our collars. All that is needed is to keep it wet. The collar will keep the blood in the veins and arteries in the neck COOL. It has never been easier or more pleasant to stay cool in the hot sun.
In case of heatstroke:
- Move the person into the shade or air-conditioned area
- Cool the person by covering with damp cloths or spray with cool water
- Fan them with a fan or newspaper
- Give cool water to drink (Only give by mouth if they are able to swallow)
If you suspect that the person is not recovering – Call 911
We would like to encourage you to eeducate yourself about the dangers of the harsh sun and how to prevent heatstroke and other heat related health issues. If you are not sure how to go about this or would like some guidance, please contact us and we’ll be happy to share some more ideas with you.