Heat Waves

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How to Survive a Heat Wave or Heat Stroke

Heat can kill just as easily as the cold or any other natural disaster. While heat doesn't do property damage like a tornado or hurricane more people die due to heat stroke than either of those other two natural disasters. While the heat can be deadly there are some very simple steps to make sure you avoid suffering for heat stroke of sunstroke.

Sunstroke is the uncontrollable rise of temperature of the body. Typically our bodies fight the heat through perspiration. Basically, we sweat, the sweat evaporates on our skin and cools us down. If we don't have any water in us to perspire then our body no longer has it's natural defense to regulate heat. Symptoms of heat stroke are similar to those of some who might be intoxicated; slurred speech, coordination problems and even being confrontational. (This might cause a problem if you have been drinking in the sun. If someone who hasn't been drinking much appears to be trashed...be careful that it's not heat stroke.)

The best way to avoid heat stroke in the first place is to stay out of the sun and try and stay indoors or in the shade. If you can't be indoors in the safety of air conditioning then make sure you find shade and drink lots of water...lots and lots of water. Even if you aren't thirsty drink lots of water. Drinking water ensures that your natural defenses against heat has the ammo it needs to work.

If you feel yourself over heating and you aren't sweating using a cold cloth on the back of the neck helps. Drinking cold water helps cool you down from the inside. If someone passes out from heat stroke call 911 immediately because heat stroke can be deadly.

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