Original Title: How to Prevent Heatstroke During Hot Weather
Meteorology defines a "hot day" as one with a maximum temperature of 35°C or higher, and a "prolonged heatwave" as five or more consecutive hot days.Excessive heat can impair gastrointestinal function due to thermal stimulation, leading to symptoms like heaviness in the head, fatigue, chest oppression, loss of appetite, and even heatstroke, which can harm health. Therefore, mastering methods to prevent heatstroke and knowing how to handle it if it occurs is particularly important during scorching summers. Specifically, how should we prevent heatstroke in daily life? And what should we do if heatstroke happens?
During hot weather, avoid outdoor work or activities under intense sunlight, especially during the hottest afternoon hours and for the elderly, infirm, sick, or young children. When engaging in outdoor work or activities, avoid prolonged sun exposure and take sun protection measures: wear light-colored or plain clothing, wear a sun hat or straw hat, or use a sun umbrella.Drink plenty of fluids, especially salted water. Carry heatstroke prevention medications such as Ren Dan pills, cooling balm, or wind oil. In high-temperature workplaces, employers must implement effective heatstroke prevention and cooling measures. Strengthen worker education on heatstroke prevention, adjust work schedules reasonably to avoid outdoor tasks during peak heat hours, and reduce labor intensity.Dietary adjustments can also help: drink mung bean soup, or prepare a porridge with lotus seeds, mint, lotus leaves, japonica rice, and rock sugar. This sweet and refreshing dish serves as an excellent remedy for clearing heat and relieving summer heat, effectively preventing heatstroke.
When recognizing early signs or mild symptoms of heatstroke in oneself or others, follow these first aid steps:
1. Immediately remove the affected person from the high-temperature environment. Move them to a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry location, such as a corridor or under tree shade.
2. Have the person lie flat on their back. Unbutton their clothing and remove or loosen any layers.
3. If clothing is soaked with sweat, change them into dry clothes. Simultaneously use a fan or air conditioner to facilitate rapid cooling.
4. Lower the body temperature to below 38°C (100.4°F). Methods include applying cool, damp towels to the head and neck.If clothing is soaked with sweat, change into dry clothes while using a fan or air conditioner to dissipate heat quickly.
3. Rapidly cool the body temperature below 38°C (98.6°F). Specific methods include applying cool, damp towels to the head, armpits, and groin; wiping the entire body with lukewarm water or alcohol; or taking a cold water bath for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. For conscious patients or those regaining consciousness after cooling, provide hydration with mung bean soup or lightly salted water to combat heat exhaustion.
5. Administer Rendao pills and Huoxiang Zhengqi water.
4. Patients who are conscious or regain consciousness after cooling may drink mung bean soup or lightly salted water to relieve heat exhaustion.
5. They may also take Rendao pills and Huoxiang Zhengqi water. For severe heatstroke cases, immediately call 120 for emergency medical assistance. (Leng Zhonghua)