As the sun is getting hot due to El Niño this summer, temperature rises but doctors are quick to provide advice to combat heat stroke and the best defense of heat stroke is prevention.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot gave tips to avoid heat stroke, “a condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures.”

Avoid staying long periods directly under the sun; take more fluids, like water, juices, etc; seek medical help if signs of overheat exposure are observed, like headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeats, difficulty of breathing, Cabagnot said.

Some doctors say that the first sign of dangerous heat stroke is no sweat.

“As the temperature rises, your body’s natural cooling mechanism, sweat (or more kindly, perspiration), evaporates and helps to cool your body. But on those hot, humid cut-the-air-with-a knife days, evaporation is slowed and your body may not be able to keep itself cool.”

The added, “Always, always drink plenty of water when the heat index is high and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks inside or in the shade.”

The doctors also advice people to keep a close watch on the elderly and infants, people on certain medications.”

The warning signs that should be recognized, doctors say, include the following:  pale skin, fatigue, weakness, nauseous, sweating profusely, rapid pulse, fast, shallow breathing, muscle weakness or cramps. (rvo)