Learn essential tips for beating heat exhaustion with Meri Sehat. Stay cool and hydrated for optimal well-being in hot weather.

Beating Heat Exhaustion 101!

Heat exhaustion means your body has become overheated and is unable to cool itself down.

Introduction

Summer is all about having fun, lazing around, and for the lucky among us, showing off that bod in the sun. I really feel like a spoilsport (yes, believe me!) reminding you about the heatwave. Far from sharing hot vacation spots, fashion styles, color palettes, or even a list of summer movies, this article advises you to stay safe when the temperature outside soars. 
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Heat exhaustion means your body has become overheated and is unable to cool itself down. While indulging in physical activities, especially exercise, is a common reason for your body to be dehydrated, just being outside in hot, humid weather can also cause heat exhaustion.

Are heat exhaustion and heatstroke the same thing? No. Heat exhaustion precedes heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s SO IMPORTANT to know about heat exhaustion. There&rsquo;s a high possibility you don&rsquo;t even realize immediately that your body is losing fluid or heating up until the condition turns critical and needs medical attention! 
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Your Body Needs HELP

DO NOT ignore any of the following symptoms of heat exhaustion as your body signals you to get out of the scorching sun:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/types-of-headache">Headache</a></li>
	<li>Extreme thirst</li>
	<li>Dark-colored urine</li>
	<li>Profuse sweating</li>
	<li>Pale skin or heat rash</li>
	<li>Fatigue</li>
	<li>Racing heartbeat</li>
	<li>Rapid breathing</li>
	<li>Dizziness</li>
	<li>Muscle cramps</li>
	<li>Feeling sick or nauseous</li>
	<li>Vomiting</li>
	<li>Diarrhea</li>
	<li>High temperature (over 104 &deg;F)</li>
	<li>Weakness</li>
	<li>Anxiety</li>
	<li>Confusion</li>
	<li>Altered speech 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The bad news is there&rsquo;s no knowing when these symptoms occur. It may be a sudden onset; it may progress with time. The good news is that heat exhaustion can be prevented and/or treated. 
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Help Those At Risk

Heat exhaustion is a common occurrence. However, some are more inclined to experience it than others. This includes:

<ul>
	<li>Young children</li>
	<li>Elderly</li>
	<li>Those with certain medical conditions, like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes</li>
	<li>Those prescribed certain medications, like diuretics, beta-blockers, and chemo drugs</li>
	<li>Those who live or work in hot conditions, especially if they carry heavy equipment or wear heavy clothing 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Keep an eye out for them. If someone has heat exhaustion, don&rsquo;t hesitate to move them to a well-aerated place immediately and remove all unnecessary clothing, such as socks, off their body.

Sponge or spray their skin. You can also use a cold pack wrapped in cloth and place it on their neck or under the armpits. Make them drink cool water or a sports drink. Stay with them till they feel better<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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Note: The body needs to cool down within 30 minutes. If it does NOT, then the person may need emergency medical help. 
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10 Tips To Stay Cool

The following tips can help avoid heat exhaustion<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>: 
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<ol>
	<li>&nbsp;Drink lots of fluids to maintain normal body temperature. Skip the sugary drinks.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Ditch tight clothes for loose-fitting and breathable clothing to allow for proper cooling.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat? Check, check, check!</li>
	<li>&nbsp;As a thumb rule, it&rsquo;s unsafe to leave anyone in a parked car. Not a loved one and definitely not your pet.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Inform your doctor if some medication affects your body&rsquo;s ability to dissipate heat or stay hydrated.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;A little management hurt no one. Schedule your outdoor work for another time, like early morning or evening. It shouldn&rsquo;t be too hot then.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Of course, I couldn&rsquo;t not mention rest now. It&rsquo;s summer, after all. Take your sweet time participating in any activity or sport. Sit in the shade to cool down and rehydrate as often as required. Keep a wet washcloth handy to cool your forehead or the back of your neck. Sit or lie down if necessary.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Opt to stay indoors. An air-conditioned office or an air-conditioned mall is the place to be. Also, did I remind you how staying at home gives you the perfect opportunity to bathe for as long as you want to cool yourself down?</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Keep your colleagues informed about your condition if you&rsquo;re an increased risk. They can look out for you.</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Staying informed is perhaps the best trick in the book. This includes checking local news for weather updates and passing on that to everyone you know. Moreover, knowing when and where to seek emergency care is crucial. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Conclusion

<ul>
	<li>If these strategies don&rsquo;t work, seek medical help immediately! Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.</li>
	<li>If you&rsquo;ve recently recovered from heat exhaustion, avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise until your doctor approves it. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Stay safe and enjoy the summer! 
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