How to adjust and manage for people prone to heatstroke
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
People who are prone to heatstroke should avoid prolonged work, living, or engaging in heavy physical labor in hot and humid environments. It is recommended that patients rest for 10 minutes after every 30 minutes of activity. During rest, they should stay in cool, well-ventilated areas and drink plenty of salt-containing beverages to replenish lost body fluids. They are also advised to consume refreshing, heat-relieving drinks and eat seasonal fruits.
In daily life, especially during hot summer months, people working outdoors—such as cleaners, those performing high-altitude tasks, and construction workers—are more prone to heatstroke due to differing work environments. So, how should individuals who are susceptible to heatstroke adjust and care for themselves?
How to manage and care for individuals prone to heatstroke
Individuals susceptible to heatstroke should avoid prolonged work or living in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, as well as strenuous physical labor or exercise. It is recommended that such individuals take a 10-minute break after every 30 minutes of activity. During breaks, they should rest in cool, well-ventilated areas and drink plenty of fluids containing salt to replenish lost body fluids. Light diet: During the hot summer, try to avoid spicy, stimulating, or greasy foods, and quit smoking and drinking alcohol. It is advisable to consume beverages that clear internal heat and relieve summer heat, such as green tea, red bean and coix seed soup, or mung bean soup. Eating seasonal fruits like watermelon, which has good heat-relieving effects, is also recommended.
Early signs of heatstroke include thirst, fatigue, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and palpitations. At this stage, body temperature is usually normal or slightly elevated. Patients may show early symptoms such as flushed face, irritability, heavy sweating, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure. Typically, body temperature does not exceed 37.5°C. Severe heatstroke includes heat cramps, which occur when electrolyte loss exceeds water loss, leading to spasms in abdominal and limb muscles.
For those who work outdoors, it's beneficial to regularly drink mung bean soup when possible. We hope this answer helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
