Ways to beat heat-related illnesses

Heat-related illnesses are often associated with too much sun exposure during summer. But many do not know that one may suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke even when s/he is under the shade. “Regardless of the temperature outside, we can be susceptible to heat-related illnesses because it depends on our body temperature. It is not always just about exposure to the sun,” Dr Suresh Menon, Medical Director and Chief Internal Medicine Specialist at Lifeline Hospital, told Gulf News. These heat-related illnesses happen when the body’s cooling mechanism — sweating — fails and gets overloaded. “People who have chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, the elderly or people aged 50 and above and children below the age of 10 are more prone to suffer from these illnesses. As such, they should always take necessary precaution during summer,” Dr Menon said. For an average healthy person who stays outdoors for 10 minutes under 50 degree Celsius, it may not be a problem as long as he manages to protect himself well — hydrating and putting on cool clothing — and he sweats to regulate his body temperature. Staying outdoors for 30 minutes or longer, however, may lead to problems. Signs of exhaustion People who feel the warning signs of heat exhaustion such as drying of the mouth, feeling tired and lethargic, headache, and nausea should cool themselves down. Start by loosening clothing, drinking water, taking a cool shower, and resting. A heat stroke, however, is a serious medical condition that needs professional help. An ambulance should be called right away. Proper aid should be given to the affected person while waiting for help. During the summer months of July, August, there is an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The bright sunlight increases the UV rays between 12pm and 5pm. People must be aware of its dangers and take necessary precautions when going out for daily work.