Health experts have warned about the real dangers of sun stroke with rising temperatures during the summer. The risks increase when temperatures rise above 25 degrees Celsius, especially if the weather is humid or hot. Experts stated that certain groups are particularly at risk, such as the elderly and individuals suffering from severe obesity, as these conditions hinder the body's ability to regulate its temperature. The main risk factor is not being accustomed to high heat. However, Professor Rob Galloway offers ways to prevent sun stroke, especially since he has treated similar life-threatening cases.
Initially, Galloway clarified that our bodies operate under temperature conditions that can reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. Important enzymes and proteins essential for processes like transmitting nerve signals around the body begin to break down when temperatures exceed this limit. This can have dire consequences as cells die, toxic compounds are released, and organs start to actually shut down.
To avoid this, our bodies have mechanisms to sense and regulate body temperature to around 37 degrees Celsius as much as possible. This is why we sweat when it's hot outside; the sweat that evaporates from the skin has a cooling effect on the body. However, in some cases, these mechanisms may not be effective. For instance, in hot and humid conditions, the air is already filled with moisture, preventing sweat from evaporating efficiently. When sweat doesn't evaporate, it cannot cool the body, resulting in a dangerously high body temperature.
The first sign of sun stroke is often confusion, as brain cells are the most sensitive to changes in temperature. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, hot, red, and dry skin, rapid pulse, and fainting. In this regard, Galloway suggests that if you plan to spend a vacation in hot conditions, acclimatizing to high heat is crucial; thus, using a sauna before the holiday can be an effective preventive strategy.
One should stay out of the sun during peak temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius and opt to go out in the evening when the weather is cooler. In addition to sunscreen and hats, Galloway recommends wearing lightweight clothing made of cotton. It is essential to drink much more water than usual while avoiding coffee and alcohol, as both are diuretics. One may also wear cooling vests before engaging in outdoor exercise. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like Voltaren and Ibuprofen, as they can impair kidney function and harm the intestines, making one more susceptible to sun stroke.
