Summer has arrived and sometimes summer fun can be hazardous. Therefore, it is important that we are aware of these hazards, recognise them and take necessary precautions to prevent them.
In the excitement of a picnic at the park, beachball game or a swim in the sea, it's easy to not notice the temperature rising. But as the day progresses your body notices the heat, and it needs you to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Under normal conditions, your body's natural control mechanisms — skin and perspiration — adjust to the heat. However, those systems may fail when you're exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

Heat cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. They usually occur after vigorous exercises and profuse perspiration. Your abdominal muscles and ones you use during exercise are most frequently affected.

Heat exhaustion
Signs of heat exhaustion include an increased temperature, faintness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, an ashen appearance on face or body, cold, clammy skin and nausea. Symptoms often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive perspiration and inadequate fluid intake.

Heatstroke
Older adults and obese people are particularly at risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, heart disease, certain medications and vigorous exercise. People born with an impaired ability to sweat are particularly at risk. Signs of heatstroke include rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, confusion, and either increased or lowered blood pressure. Fainting can be the first sign on older adults. A victim may stop sweating, but this isn't a reliable sign.



Self-care for heat cramps
1.Rest briefly and allow yourselves to cool down.
2.Eat salty foods.
3.Drink water with a teaspoon of salt per quart.

Self-care for heat exhaustion
If you suspect heat exhaustion, get the person out of the sun as quickly as possible and into a shady spot or an air-conditioned location. Then gently lay the person down on a flat surface and elevate his or her feet slightly. Loosen or remove clothing.
Give cold – ‘not iced' - water to drink, or give an electrolyte-containing drink, such as one of the popular sports drinks available.
Monitor people with heat exhaustion carefully. Although less dangerous than heatstroke, heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.

Medical help for heatstroke
If you suspect heatstroke, get emergency help immediately, move the person out of the sun and into a shady spot or an air-conditioned space, and give him or her a sponge bath.