By Stephanie Nesbitt
Now that summer is finally here the sun is consistently shining, the weather is warm and people are travelling all over the world on vacation. When visiting a new location, or every a family favorite, people tend to forgo their normal lifestyle habits, such as exercising, eating healthy and even drinking water regularly. People get so caught up in the activities they are doing and the company they are with, which could potentially put them in harm’s way.
Hot weather (whether it is humid or dry) is a consistent temperature all over the world – no matter what time of the year you travel. When temperature and humidity soar, travelers — particularly children, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, and people who are overweight may be prone to heat stroke. Even young and healthy individuals can be vulnerable if they are too active during hot weather and not drinking enough water; so it’s best to try to prevent heat stroke before it occurs.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, which makes it hard for the body to cool down on its own.
If you plan on traveling to a place where temperatures are high, follow these tips on preventing heat stroke, as recommended by CDC:
Keep hydrated. Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level, even if you don’t feel thirsty. During periods of heavy activity in the heat, drink 2-4 glasses of water each hour.
Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages that do not contain large amounts of sugar.
Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
Use sunscreen, hats and wear clothing that is labeled as sun-protective.
If possible, seek air conditioned venues like shopping malls, public libraries, museums or movie theaters. If you’re in a location with only fans, remember that once temperatures get to the high 90s, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness.
Take a cool shower or bath to help lower your body temperature.
Never leave children or animals in cars. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within ten minutes. Also, dress children in cool loose clothing, and shade their faces with hats or an umbrella.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). How to prevent heat stroke when traveling. Retrieved from http://trip.ustia.org/health/articles/1259/how-to- prevent-heat-stroke-when- traveling/
About the Author:
Stephanie Nesbitt obtained her Masters in Exercise Science from California State University at Long Beach in 2015. Stephanie has been involved in athletics most of her life—softball, volleyball and horseback riding were her favorites growing up. Today, Stephanie still enjoys volleyball and running. She partakes in service-learning opportunities in her community as well as educating individuals on the benefits of quality exercise and nutrition. Her motto is, “feel fit, be fit, look fit.” Stephanie has been with BaySport since September 2015.
