Heat stroke, especially in warmer climates and seasons, is fairly common, and the most common cause of heatstroke is dehydration from not drinking sufficient water.
Although the human body consists of around 70% water, it cannot store this water and loses it throughout the day via sweat, urine, breathing, and stools, regardless of the climate, therefore it is vital that we drink sufficient water throughout the day, every day, in order to maintain the balance of fluids and remain healthy.
When we lose water, we do not only lose water, but also lose valuable electrolytes in varying concentrations. The body needs these electrically charged minerals, especially sodium and potassium, so they are critical to proper hydration.
The human body generates internal heat as a matter of course, and keeps itself cool primarily through sweating. When we are physically active however, especially in the sun with high heat or humidity for intense or prolonged periods of time and we are dehydrated, the body cannot cool itself and our internal body heat rises to extremely dangerous high levels, resulting in heat exhaustion.
When the body gets overheated, it begins to shut down. Symptoms include dizziness or headaches; sluggishness or extreme fatigue; rapid heartbeat or blurred vision; hot, dry skin; disorientation or confusion; hallucinations or loss of consciousness; and a very high body temperature.
The best way to prevent dehydration and heat stroke is to ensure that you drink sufficient water throughout the day to replace that which you have lost through normal bodily functions, and to:
- Avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these beverages dehydrate one;
- Increase your water intake if you are exercising outdoors or perspiring heavily;
- Drink electrolyte enhanced water before, during, and after any physical activity that will take more than 60 minutes;
- Schedule any physical outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler;
- Take frequent water breaks (every 15 minutes or so); and
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing in light colours.
Children and the elderly should be protected from the sun because they do not realise they may be getting dehydrated and do so more easily. They should wear wide-brimmed hats and use sunscreen, and preferably also use some type of sunshade, such as an umbrella
Get a bottled water cooler and mains fed water cooler from Living-Water. Hire water coolers and purchase water dispensers in London.
