Heat Stroke

A severe heat wave is sweeping the country. If you are old, sick, or are not careful, heat stroke can be a real threat. The time is of the essence in treatment of heat stroke. The chance of a vicitm dying is more than 70% if treatment is delayed by more than two hours. Here are some safety tips:
- Avoid exercising in a very hot weather
- Wear clothes that breathe well and keep yourself well hydrated
- Be aware of symptoms of heat stroke which can be in the form of very high temperature, diorientation, seizures and/or loss of consciousness. The victims of heat stroke may sometimes just show bizarre behavior along with high temperature as an important clue to this potentially fatal condition. If you see a likely victim of heat stroke, call for expert help, get him or her out of the heat, and help cool the victim down while help is on the way.
- Be aware of conditions that can put you at a high risk for heat stroke, namely: taking medicines like beta blockers, water pills, lithium etc., medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and (skin condition) Scleroderma.
- Alcohol intake can increase chances of heat stroke too. So avoid alcohol, for example, if you are out Golfing in the hot Sun.
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