Health Care in Canada: Here are a Few Tips to Avoid Sunstroke this Summer

Ah, summertime. The days are long, the weather is hot and we’re all a little more carefree than usual. There are a ton of products out on the market today protecting us from the sun’s harmful rays. Some of us forget that sunscreen cannot protect us from heat exhaustion or sunstroke.

It is important that Canadians know how to protect themselves and their families from the health effects of extreme heat. Unusually hot weather conditions affect the body by pushing it beyond its limits. When temperatures and humidity are high, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because people have been overexposed to heat or have over-exercised for their age and physical condition. Also known as heat stroke, sunstroke happens because our body’s heat regulating system stops working. Our bodies protect us from sunstroke and heat stroke by perspiring but if the body sweats too much without replenishing the water, sunstroke is a result. If not looked after right away, sunstroke victims can eventually end up in the hospital.

Signs of sunstroke include dizziness, sudden and severe headaches, little or no sweating, skin that is red and dry, muscle cramps and in severe cases, vomiting. If sunstroke goes unchecked, victims can slip into a coma. One of the quickest remedies is to get the person to a cool place and get them to drink water. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Here are a few tips to avoid sunstroke this summer:

Drink lots of water especially when it is extremely hot. Some experts say that 2 Litres of water a day is recommended. 8 – 10 glasses of water is the usual rule of thumb. The bottom line is to avoid becoming dehydrated – insufficient amounts of water keep the body from sweating which is a natural defense against hot summer weather.

If you are active under the sun, for every hour of activity, drink about 1 liter of water.

Light coloured and loose fitting clothes will allow the body to sweat.

Wear a hat!

Avoid strenuous activities under the hot sun.

Follow these tips and have a safe and happy summer!

To read a more complete and different article called Extreme Heat and Your Health, visit Health Canada and search for Extreme Heat and Your Health.

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