This year has seen some extreme temperatures with the weather bureau predicting more to come. At it's most extreme heat can result in a person experiencing heat stroke which can be a potentially life threatening condition.
This happens when the body's core temperature rises above 40.5 degrees and can result in serious medical conditions which will need to be treated as an emergency. To a lesser extent, prolonged exposure to heat can result in suffering from heat stress - not as debilitating as heat stroke, but still very uncomfortable and debilitating. NSW Health, in their
Heat Stroke Factsheet has more information and some very useful tips to avoid becoming badly affected by the heat.
People at particular risk of experiencing heat stress or stroke are:
- people over 75 years
- babies and young children
- people with chronic diseases (high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes or circulatory diseases)
- people who are obese
- people on some medications
- people who are socially isolated
- people who work outdoors or in hot and poorly ventilated areas
- people engaging in vigorous physical activity in hot weather
- people who are not acclimatized to the heat, e.g., overseas visitors.
Ways to help avoid becoming affected by heat stress include:
- drinking plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic drinks. (Check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids or fluid pills)
- stay indoors or in the shade
- staying cool and keep air circulating around you. Use air-conditioning if possible (if you don't have air-conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping centre or public library)
- reducing physical activity and avoiding vigorous exertion in hot weather
- resting often if activity is unavoidable
- eating regular light meals
- wearing lightweight clothing
- taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- checking on older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the heat (at least twice a day)
- never leave a person or pets in a closed parked car.
Follow these tips and look after yourselves - and if you know anyone at particular risk, please, take some time and check on them.
