Be Careful After the Rainy Season Ends! "Heatstroke Prevention"
On extremely hot days exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, the risk of heatstroke increases no matter how careful you are.
Heatstroke is a dangerous condition caused by
1) a rise in body temperature and
2) an imbalance of water and salt in the body.
We are approaching a season where you need to be careful, as heatstroke can occur when temperatures rise sharply after the rainy season ends. Let's review our prevention measures to ensure we have a healthy and happy summer again this year!
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Heatstroke has various symptoms. If you experience any of the following, it may be a sign of heatstroke:
・Dizziness or lightheadedness
・Flushed face
・Muscle cramps
・Nausea or headache
・Feeling sluggish
・Excessive sweating or no sweating at all
・Feeling faint or disoriented
If these symptoms occur, move to a cool place immediately and hydrate. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention promptly.
If symptoms do not improve even after first aid measures such as moving to a cooler location and hydrating, seek medical attention. If the person is unresponsive or disoriented, call an ambulance. (*)
*From the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Information and Materials Site for Heatstroke Prevention"
6 Measures to Prevent Heatstroke
1) Frequent hydration
Hydrate frequently before you feel thirsty.
2) Salt replenishment
Don't forget to replenish salt when you sweat! Use salt candies or pickled plums (umeboshi).
3) Use shade
Use shade as much as possible during hours with strong sunlight. Hats and parasols are also effective.
4) Breathable clothing
Wear breathable clothing with excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties.
5) Adjust room temperature
Don't push yourself; rest in a cool place. Use air conditioners or fans to keep the room temperature appropriate.
6) Manage your physical condition
Lack of sleep and poor physical condition increase the risk of heatstroke. Try to eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.
What to do if you get heatstroke
If you experience symptoms that you suspect are heatstroke, stay calm and take the following actions:
1) Move to a cool place
Move to a well-ventilated, shaded area or an air-conditioned room.
2) Cool the body
Loosen your clothing and cool your neck, armpits, and groin area. Using cold towels or ice packs is also effective. It is also known that cooling your palms is beneficial. Since you can easily cool down just by putting your hands in ice water, it's a simple method.
3) Replenish water and salt
If the person can drink on their own, have them drink cold water or sports drinks little by little.
4) Contact a medical institution
If symptoms do not improve, such as if the person is unconscious or nauseous, do not hesitate to call an ambulance.
Small children and the elderly are at particularly high risk for heatstroke. Also, these days, junior high and high school students are experiencing dehydration and sleep deprivation due to smartphone use. We ask that all family members keep a close eye on them and respond immediately if you notice even the slightest change in their physical condition.
☆ About Oral Rehydration Solution
If you are undergoing treatment for kidney or heart disease and have been given instructions by your doctor regarding fluid intake, please follow those instructions. If you are concerned about how to handle things due to a medical condition, it is reassuring to confirm specific ways to hydrate in an emergency with your doctor in advance as preparation for heatstroke.
Summary
Heatstroke can be prevented with the right knowledge and measures. Let's thoroughly implement heatstroke prevention measures and have a safe and fun summer.
+α Heat Acclimatization
Also, try to be conscious of heat acclimatization. This is a method to encourage the body to adapt to heat in preparation for summer, and it is said that improvements in body temperature regulation and sweating functions can be expected in about a few days to two weeks. Improving these will bring you closer to having a "body resistant to heat."
Ideally, you would want to start this from April or May, but it is just in time to start now. Why not start as soon as possible?
[Heat Acclimatization] When your body is healthy:
1) Light exercise: Walking about 3 times a week. Ideally, for 15 minutes or more. If that is difficult and you don't usually have opportunities to exercise, try continuing with stretches after your bath. Alternatively,
2) Bathing: Instead of just taking a shower, soak slowly in a bathtub at 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.
For more details, please search for "heat acclimatization." Also, the handout "Things You Can Do Now for Extremely Hot Days" provided below also contains information on heat acclimatization. Please use it as a reference.
Please take this summary handout.
▶︎ Regarding heatstroke prevention
Please check this out as well.
▶︎ Things you can do now to prepare for extremely hot days
This was distributed to customers from late April to May of this year.
・For adults
・For elementary school children and their guardians
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