Aloha Friends,
Well it’s been hotter than Africa here in Hawaii- 90 plus everyday and no trade wind to cool you off. I worked so hard on the farm yesterday that I had a headache and almost passed out every time I got up from my hands and knees after planting. At first I attributed it to “old age” and then realized that maybe I just worked way too hard and didn’t drink enough water. I just friggin’ overheated. So, I thought I would get some good information out to all of you since it will be getting hot where some of you live and really hot where others of you live, and really, really, can’t work outside past 10AM hot where some others of you live! About the “old age” thing, I feel great every day, can’t believe I am past 18. I just look like hell!
So if you are planning on spending hours under sun exposure, you better watch out for heat stroke. YES, as ridiculous as it might sound, heat stroke does exist, and it could be life threatening if not attended on time. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that about 176 to 200 Americans die from heat-related illnesses each year.” For example, in 2003, a heat wave in Europe killed 35,000 people (qtd. in USA today).
Heat stroke is a condition that results when the body does not sweat enough to lower the body temperature during extreme sun exposure. Most of the times, heat exhaustion is accompanied with dehydration, a condition that develops by not drinking enough water. Heat stroke and dehydration are especially dangerous for the elderly, infants, and people who spend an extensive amount of time outdoors or are under certain medication.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the symptoms are:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Disorientation
Agitation or confusion
Fatigue
Seizure
Hot or dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
High body temperature
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Hallucinations
Thirst
If you or someone you know begins to experience any of these symptoms, the first thing to do is to get indoors or out of the direct sun, followed by changing into lightweight clothing or removing the heat absorbed clothes being worn. Then, drink and apply plenty of water to the skin to stimulate sweating. Monitor the person closely, if symptoms persist, call emergency medical assistance (eMedicine Health).
There you have it! Even though the hot summer sun feels good on your skin, try to monitor and be safe about your sun exposure. If you plan on remaining outdoors for long period of time, take the necessary precautions; stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen/sunblock.
