The days in the summer can bring sunshine, an abundance of outdoor fun, and long periods of light, yet the danger that heat brings can still make it a challenging time. High temperatures can be harmful to the body, causing dehydration, heat stroke and many heat related sicknesses. There are specific groups of people who are more vulnerable and may suffer from heat sickness more readily than the average person; these are babies, old people, those working outside, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions. By knowing these things, you will be prepared for any such eventuality that may arise while still managing to take full advantage of the summer period.

How the Body Responds to Heat

The human body must keep a constant level within, and it manages to keep a certain temperature level, as it loses heat through sweat, which acts to cool the body down. When there is too much heat or high levels of moisture, the ability to dissipate the body heat can be compromised and this causes prolonged sweat loss, losing the essential elements for functioning and body temperature within the body. If the body cannot adequately cool itself down, heat related sickness is almost certain.

Risk of Dehydration

The severest effect that extreme summer heat poses is the risk of getting dehydrated. Due to the intense heat that the body is put through it will constantly lose a great deal of sweat, so the amount of fluid in the body is very low.

The following can be signs that your body may be dehydrated:

• A strong thirst
• Dry mouth
• Lightheaded
• Lethargic
• Head ache
• The urine is a darker colour than usual

Losing too much body fluid can lead to trouble concentrating, and in severe cases should be seen as an emergency. The amount of water in the body needs to be kept topped up.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion-This occurs when a person is over-exerted in heat, combined with dehydration, their body may become excessively hot.

Signs may include:

• Copious perspiration
• Lassitude
• Nausea
• Spasmodic contractions of muscles
• Rapid heart beat
• Dizzy
• Skin will feel cool and appear pale.

If not treated early, heat exhaustion may develop into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening situation. Initial stages may be treated by resting, cooling the person, and ensuring plenty of fluids.

Heat Stroke: A Serious Medical Emergency

Heat stroke can be very serious when you consider the temperature the body is put through, and when the organs stop functioning, the heat cannot escape the body. Some of the symptoms may be, Loss of consciousness, hot dry skin, feeling disoriented and confused, quick pulse, the body temperature is above average normal body temperature, and can cause extreme pain and damage. It needs to be seen as an emergency and help sought straight away to stop major organs being affected by the heat.

Energy and Productivity Impacts

It takes energy to keep the body cool, and this will make the individual tired and sluggish. The heat can also make it hard for the body to think, and so when working outdoors it could affect how much is produced and how efficiently the work is performed. Getting out of the sun and drinking a regular flow of water throughout the day should help decrease any lack of energy or focus.

How the Heart is Affected

The body will have to distribute blood to different parts and cool the body when the heat is extreme, if you have pre-existing health problems like high blood pressure, then these problems are made worse when in excessive heat, because your heart will have to work to lower its temperature which will affect any medical conditions you already have. Staying out of the heat is recommended to prevent an individual being affected.

Skin Problems and the Heat

Skin may be a major issue during the summer; excessive sweat will create a higher chance of itchy skin, and rashes may develop due to this. Sunburn and sun damage can make the skin age much faster than average. Using a hat or clothing that covers up more of the skin will protect it from harmful UV rays.

What Groups of people are more susceptible to medical conditions caused by heat?

• Babies
• old people
• Pregnant women
• Outdoor workers
• Athletes
• People with certain medical conditions

It’s essential that extra care be taken when the weather is hot, to avoid health issues arising from it.

Ways to Stay Safe During Extreme Summer Heat

Drink water: Stay hydrated and continuously drinks water throughout the day. You should always drink as if you are not drinking enough before even starting to feel thirsty; in summer you will need more water than at any other time of the year. Any sugary drinks, coffee and tea should be avoided.

Stay out of the heat mid-day: the period in the day when the heat will be most intense will be in between mid-morning and the evening. During these times you should try to rest out of the heat if you can or sit in a shady area.

Wear the right clothes: light clothing is most appropriate as it will make it easier to cool down and cover more skin so the heat can easily escape the body but can also cover skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Use sunscreen: A high SPF sunscreen, hat and sunglasses should always be used to protect you from damaging UV rays which affect skin badly.

Stay inside: The best way to stay cool is by using air conditioning, fans or any form of shaded area in your house; this will cool down the body and help it to keep its temperature normal.

Light foods: Eating a lot of energy giving foods requires extra energy to break down the foods and will make your body hotter than normal. Stick to more cooling foods like fruit and vegetables to prevent raising the bodies temperature.

Get rest: if you are going to be active at all then it is very important that you take a rest every now and then out of the sun or in a shaded area so the bodies temperature can return to a healthy level.

Spot warning signs: Knowing the symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration are key, that you are aware if anything is likely to occur and can get help fast if it happens.

Conclusion

Extreme summer heat has damaging effects on one’s body and mind, causing fatigue, dehydration and the need for medical attention from suffering from such issues like heat stroke, which can severely impact all of one’s life. However, you can easily prevent these harmful health issues by following some basic advice about staying safe, which can make summer a highly pleasant season for all, especially if you take good care of yourself when the sun shines the brightest.