Soaring temperatures in the summer can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that mostly affects people over 50 but also young athletes. It comes from prolonged exposure to high heat as well as dehydration. That combination disrupts the temperature regulation system in your body leading to a core temperature greater than 103°.
Early signs of heat stroke may include nausea and confusion. But sources say you might pass out from heat stroke without any signs or symptoms. Not a good place to be to make good decisions about your well-being. More serious signs include seizures and coma.
What can you do to prevent this?
Seek shade.
Go out with a buddy in extreme heat.
Carry water or be near drinkable water sources.
If you have sufficient water soak your clothes or wet a towel to wear around your neck.
Get in air conditioning.
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothes.
In extreme heat, even if you’re not close to heat related illness, you use up a lot of your electrolytes (your internal mineral salts) when sweating. Bone broth is a good option for replacing electrolytes but may not be a desired solution for you. If not, try this simple and yummy DIY electrolyte drink: *1.5 to 2 cups of water *Juice of 1/2 lemon *1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon sea salt *2 tbs raw honey Put all ingredients in a jar. Shake it up. Refrigerate for up to one week. But you’ll probably drink it much more quickly than that! This would be a good way to cool down, don't you think?!
As always… Here’s to your best health! Dr. Linda P.S For more information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding heat related illnesses including heat stroke click here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that water regulates the Earth’s temperature.