Summer Heatstroke Prevention Tips
As the intense summer heat approaches, hospitals have seen a gradual increase in patients with colds, fevers, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and upper respiratory tract infections. Some elderly individuals have even developed cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. How can we prevent heatstroke and cool down? Here, experts from a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital offer some summer heatstroke prevention tips to help you get through the hot season safely:
1. It is not recommended to engage in strenuous outdoor activities during the daytime in summer, such as hiking. It is advisable to choose sports like swimming or a slow jog in the morning or evening.
2. Drink plenty of plain water and drink at regular intervals. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. After feeling thirsty, avoid drinking excessively. It is best to drink less juice, soda, and other beverages, as they contain a large amount of sugar and electrolytes. Consuming too much can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, affecting digestion and appetite.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. In summer, the body is easily affected by high temperatures, leading to the accumulation of internal heat and dampness. An excess of heat and dampness can cause skin sores and abscesses. Drinking a large amount of liquor can further generate heat and dampness, which is like adding fuel to the fire.
4. The diet should not be too light. People are active for longer hours in summer, sweat more, and expend more energy. It is appropriate to eat more nutritious foods such as chicken, duck, lean meat, fish, and eggs to meet the body's metabolic needs. Summer seasonal vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes have a high water content. Fresh fruits like peaches, apricots, watermelon, and melons contain 80-90% water, all of which can help replenish fluids.
5. Naps should not be too long. A long nap can cause the central nervous system to deepen its inhibitory state. A relatively reduced blood flow to the brain slows down the metabolic process, which can lead to general discomfort and increased drowsiness upon waking.
6. Avoid "rapid cooling" after being exposed to heat. On a scorching summer day, after coming in from outdoors or physical labor, people often like to turn on the fan to the maximum or immediately take a cold shower. This can cause the pores of the skin to close rapidly, making it difficult for the body to release heat. It can also cause a rapid constriction of cerebral vessels, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain and causing dizziness and vertigo.
7. The temperature difference between an air-conditioned room and the outdoors should not be too large. When using air conditioning, the temperature difference should not exceed 5°C. Even in extremely hot weather, the indoor temperature should not be set below 24°C.
8. Avoid wearing metal jewelry. When certain metals in jewelry come into contact with sweat, the skin in contact may develop symptoms such as slight redness or itching, which can easily trigger contact dermatitis.
9. When going out in the summer, remember to bring sun protection items. It is best to avoid walking in the scorching sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you must go out during this time, be sure to take protective measures, such as using a sun umbrella, wearing a sun hat, and sunglasses. It is also advisable to apply sunscreen.
10. Maintain a regular daily routine and avoid staying up late frequently. Ensuring sufficient sleep is also an effective measure for preventing heatstroke. When sleeping, avoid lying directly in the path of an air conditioner vent or under a fan.
11. Carry heatstroke prevention and cooling medications with you when going out, such as Shui Dian Di (Ten-Drop Liquid), Ren Dan (Gelatinum Pill), and Feng You Jing (Medicated Oil), for emergency use.