From Italy to the US, and even here in Britain, millions have been suffering under a supercharged heatwave that has put millions of people at risk. In the US, 15 states have put almost a third of Americans under extreme heat alerts and record temperatures have been reached across Europe.
Several states across the USA are facing the threat of a heat dome in the coming days, with temperatures set to exceed 120F (48.8C) in some areas.
With millions around the world facing unprecedented weather conditions and millions at risk of health complications, one health expert has flagged three common behaviors to avoid.
Hydration
Misty White, a member of staff at HealthPoint, stressed that inadequate hydration is one of the primary causes of heat strokes during heat waves.
The condition occurs when core body temperature rises to 40C or above, causing severe harm to vital organs if left untreated.
“The majority of my patients come in and they say they’re drinking two or three bottles of water a day,” noted the expert. “[…] But they really need to be drinking six to eight bottles of water a day when they’re out in that kind of heat.”
Those at the highest risk of heat stroke, namely the elderly and young children, should avoid spending too much time outdoors in scorching conditions.
“The biggest things that you’re going to have to watch for are headaches, stopping sweating, nausea. If you get to the point of stopping sweating it’s already too late,” added White.
Limit time outside
During a heatwave, experts advise everyone to avoid the outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, which are typically between midday to four o’clock.
Those who have to be outside during those times due to work or other commitments should limit their time out of the shade to two hours maximum.
Footwear
When a person’s feet remain in an enclosed space for lengthy periods, this may cause core body temperature to build to dangerous levels.
Heavy boots are not conducive to hot weather, so it may be worth investing in breathable shoes and lightweight socks – or avoiding footwear altogether where possible.
Because certain lines of work put workers at the mercy of extreme weather conditions, extra measures should be considered for their safety.
Medical Staff at HealthPoint have warned that about three out of every four people who work outdoors will likely suffer a heat stroke.
