How to Prevent Sun Stroke

Sun stroke, also called heat stroke, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body fails to regulate its internal temperature usually because of overexposure to the sun. Being outdoors, in direct sunlight, for extended periods of time during hot, humid weather affects the body's ability to naturally cool itself through sweating. Under such conditions, a heat stroke may occur and the body's temperature might rise up to 106 degrees in 10 or 15 minutes. Prevent sun stroke by staying hydrated and making smart decisions about how to spend your day outdoors.

Instructions

1

Dress appropriately on hot, humid days. Make sure to wear light-colored clothing that reflects the sun and bring along a hat, sunglasses or umbrella to shade yourself from its harmful rays. Clothing should be loose on your body and made of a tightly-woven fabric.

2

Plan exercise or other outdoor activities for early in the morning or late in the day, not for midday when the sun is the strongest.

3

Take frequent breaks in the shade to allow your body to cool itself naturally.

4

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which are diuretics and cause the body to lose water.

5

Recognize the warning signs of sun stroke. If you feel very hot but not sweating, have a headache and experience dizziness, nausea, a rapid pulse, or confusion, you may be experiencing heat stroke.

6

React to the symptoms of heat stroke by going indoors, applying ice packs or cool water to the body, and lying down in a cool area until your body returns to its normal temperature.