Summer means heat, humidity and lots of sweating. It's uncomfortable, but the sweat pouring down your face is actually protecting you from heat stroke and possibly saving your life. Heat stroke, which can progress rapidly, results from your body's inability to cool itself in extremely hot conditions. A lack of fluids can also contribute to its onset. Dr. Bill Zirkin, an emergency medicine physician at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, says "drink more than your thirst would otherwise dictate -- a good guide is for each hour of being outdoors on a hot, humid day, drink 16 ounces -- double that if you are exerting yourself."
How hot does it have to be for heat stroke to be a risk?
We start worrying about heat stroke when the temperature gets above 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but humidity plays a major role as well. The heat index, which takes both temperature and humidity into account, is probably a better indicator of heat stroke risk than temperature alone is.
Do I have to be exercising or engaging in vigorous activity to get heat stroke?
No. Prolonged exposure to hot, humid conditions, particularly in young children and in the elderly, can cause heat stroke, even without vigorous activity. Dehydration plays a significant role in the development of heat stroke -- thus, people with certain chronic medical conditions (for example, diabetics) or on certain medications (such as diuretics), people with acute gastrointestinal problems and alcoholics are also at risk.
What's the biggest myth about heat stroke?
The biggest myth is that "sunstroke" or heat stroke is not serious or life-threatening. Heat stroke is caused by the body's inability to control body temperature. Quickly, and sometimes with little warning, the body's core temperature, which is usually 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, can rise to over 105 or higher. Without rapid cooling (within minutes), this rise in temperature can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
Other than staying out of the sun, how can I avoid heat stroke?
If you must be in the sun on hot and humid days, keeping well-hydrated and using common sense are the keys to avoiding heat stroke. Hydration with water or sports drinks (and not alcohol or caffeinated beverages) helps provide the body with the ability to continue to cool itself.
