How To Avoid Heat Stroke In This 44-Degree Manila Weather
We're already experiencing 44-46°C heat in the country, here's what you can do to stay cool, and avoid the potential harm the heatwave can bring.
To say that we are right smack in the middle of a heatwave is an understatement. While we're all staying at home during the quarantine, we won't be able to beat the heat like we used to: no beach trips or pool parties for the meantime!
Being at home during a heatwave sure isn't a pleasurable thing to experience, especially if turning on your air conditioner for the entire day is just not reasonable. We have to rely on our good old electric fans to keep us cool during the day, and survive the endless sweat sessions ahead. But did you know that there are far more things you can do to keep your body temperature cool? Keep scrolling...
Heat stroke is defined by the Mayo Clinic as "a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher."
Some of the symptoms of heat stroke are high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, headaches, altered mental state such as confusion, slurring, delirium, seizures, agitation, and irritability. Our senior citizens, young children, and pregnant women may be more at risk for heat stroke, so be wary of the signs when living with these kinds of people.
To make sure we avoid such unfortunate incidents from happening to us, here are some ways to beat the heat, and avoid heat stroke altogether:
How To Avoid Heat Stroke
How To Avoid Heat Stroke
1. Wear light-colored clothing
Did you know that darker colors absorb heat? Stay away from your black staples for now, and trade them for lighter colored pieces instead.
Photo Credit: @uniqlophofficial
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
This cannot be emphasized enough—drink lots of water everyday, more so now that it's crazy hot outside. Water is able to regulate the body's internal temperature, which then prevents it from over heating.
3. Apply SPF
Apart from vanity purposes, slathering on sunscreen with SPF 30 and up (yes, even if you're just at home) prevents harmful UV rays from damaging your skin, so now is the time to really make this a priority!
Photo Credit: Seven Barretto
4. Stay in the shade
While we need our fair share of vitamin D (aka sunlight) for immunity, staying out long under the sun may do more harm than good. Get your sunlight fix early in the day, then stay indoors for the rest of it. Turn the fan or air conditioner on too if you can!
5. Postpone outdoor activities
Working out outdoors is great, as you are able to get sunlight and fresh air, but these days, staying indoors may be best. If you have to go outside, arm yourself with an umbrella and water, to keep heat stroke at bay.
6. Take cool showers
What's better than a cool shower? At the beginning of the day and before hitting the sack, taking a cool shower wakes your body up, and cools your temperature instantly. Avoiding the steam bath may be ideal for now.
In the unlikely event that someone in your family gets a heat stroke, here are some things you can do to remedy it, if heading to the emergency room is not a viable option:
- Turn a fan towards the person, and wet his or her body with cold water using a towel or a spray.
- Apply an ice pack on the neck, back, armpits, and groin. According to WebMD, these parts of the body are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, and cooling them may reduce body temperature.
- If he or she is able to, let them take a cool shower or get immersed in a tub.
- Be sure to consult your family members or your physician in case of emergencies.
Stay cool and stay safe everyone!
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023
