42 • The Beacon June 19, 2025
Do you know the important signs of heatstroke?
Fun in the sun is a big part of the appeal of summer. Outdoor recreation and relaxation kicks up a notch each summer, contributing to a vibe that is as welcoming as it is warm.
Summer is indeed all about recreation, but individuals also must remain safe when spending time outdoors. Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition that can be prevented with some basic knowledge of what it is and how it manifests.
What is heatstroke?
The Mayo Clinic notes that heatstroke is caused by the body overheating. When individuals suffer heatstroke, it is usually because they have been exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time or have been physically exerting themselves in such conditions.
How serious is heatstroke?
The medical examiner’ s office in Maricopa County, Arizona noted that heat deaths surged by 50 percent in the city of Phoenix in 2023. Rising temperatures related to climate change have made it less safe to be outdoors on certain days. The risk for heat-related death is serious in places like Phoenix when the mercury rises, but anyone anywhere can succumb to the heat if they are not careful. By no means are deaths due to heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses exclusive to individuals in traditionally warm locales like Phoenix. Despite that vulnerability, various organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, note that heat-related illnesses are preventable. Prevention involves recognition of
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Summer is indeed all about recreation, but individuals also must remain safe when spending time outdoors.
symptoms prior to going outdoors and a willingness to go inside should any symptoms begin to arise.
Symptoms of heatstroke
Heatstroke can manifest in various ways, producing symptoms that may include:
Elevated body temperature: The Mayo Clinic notes that a core body temperature of 104 F or higher is a main sign of heatstroke.
Altered mental state: Someone suffering from heatstroke may begin to feel confused, agitated, irritable, and / or delirious. In addition, such individuals may begin to behave erratically, which can involve slurred speech.
Changes in sweating patterns: People may begin to sweat differently depending on why they are suffering from heatstroke. When heatstroke is brought on by hot weather, a person’ s skin will feel hot and dry to the touch, notably leading to a lack of sweat. When heatstroke occurs because of strenuous exercise in hot weather, the skin may feel dry and slightly moist.
Nausea and vomiting: Heatstroke can make people feel sick to their stomach and even induce vomiting.
Flushed skin: This recognizable symptom is marked by skin turning red as body temperature spikes.
Changes in breathing:
Heatstroke can cause rapid, shallow breathing.
Elevated heart rate: The Harvard Medical School notes that the heart experiences stress when the human body sheds heat. That stress can cause the heart to beat faster and pump harder.
Headache: Some people with heatstroke experience a throbbing headache.
Preventing heatstroke
The CDC notes that drinking plenty of water, cooling off in air conditioned rooms, limiting time outdoors on particularly hot days, taking frequent breaks if you must be outside, and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen with a sun protection factor( SPF) of 15 or higher are some ways to beat the heat and avoid heatstroke.
Try these helpful summertime skin protection strategies
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Summer is a season to soak up some sun and enjoy the generally more
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laid back atmosphere that’ s become synonymous with the months |
of June through August. Though no one wants to dampen the summer fun, |
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it’ s important to note that the season should not be entirely carefree. In fact, emphasizing skin protection is vital to ensuring the season is both fun and safe.
Wear sunscreen every day. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery urges individuals to wear sunscreen every day in the summer. No two people are the same, and that’ s evident in the various skin types. People with fair skin may already know from experience that they need to apply sunscreen in the summer. But ASDS notes even people with naturally darker skin that tends to tan instead of burn need to wear sunscreen every day as well. The ASDS recommends applying roughly one ounce of sunscreen two to three times each day in summer. Sunscreen should have a minimum sun protection
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factor( SPF) of 30. It’ s possible to get sunburn even in cooler climates or on cloudy days when time in direct sunlight is minimal. So the sunscreen rule can apply year-round, but is especially important in summer when people tend to spend more time outdoors than during other times of year.
Opt for protective clothing. The ASDS notes that unbleached cotton, tightly woven T-shirts or shorts, and wide-brimmed hats provide excellent protection against the sun. Many manufacturers now offer high-SPF clothing that absorbs UV rays. Pairing such clothing with daily applications of sunscreen can be a great way to protect skin against summer sun.
Pay attention to your skin. Routine skin examinations in summertime can
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uncover warning signs of skin cancer. For example, the ASDS notes that discoloration, a changing mole or a rough red patch of skin are early warning signs of skin cancer. Contact a dermatologic surgeon immediately if any of these signs are detected.
Avoid sunbathing to reduce sunburn risk. The ASDS notes the only way to prevent exposure to potentially harmful sunburn is to stay in the shade. Though many consider a little color in summertime harmless, the reality is that skin cancer develops over time and sunburn is dangerous. Each sunburn a person gets increases his or her risk of developing skin cancer, so even a mild sunburn that disappears in a day or two can have a long-term and potentially deadly impact.
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