Heat stroke

1. What is heat stroke?

　“Heat stroke” refers to a state in which the body's water and salt balance gradually becomes unbalanced due to being in a hot and humid environment for a long time, the thermoregulatory function does not work well, and the body is filled with heat. It develops not only outdoors but also when staying indoors calmly, and in some cases it can be fatal.
　To prevent health damage caused by heat stroke, learn correct information about heat stroke and be aware of changes in your physical condition and also pay attention to whether any people around you may be suffering from heat stroke.

2. To prevent heat stroke

・ Avoid heat.
・ Hydrate yourself frequently.
・ Be especially careful when the weather suddenly becomes hot.
・ Build up your tolerance to heat.
・ Be aware that there are individual differences in susceptibility to heat stroke.
・ In group activities, watch out for signs of heat stroke among each other. 
・ To avoid harming your health by being too conscious of saving electric consumption, stop forcing yourself to put up with the heat and use an air conditioner appropriately on hot and humid days.

3. Precautions for the elderly

　 As we age, the temperature sensor on the skin becomes less sensitive, making it difficult to detect heat. In addition, the elderly have a lower heat dissipation capacity than young people, making it easier to accumulate heat and less likely to feel thirsty. Please be aware of the following.
・ Hydrate yourself even if you do not feel thirsty.
・ Check the temperature of the room frequently.
・ Engage daily in exercise that makes you sweat.

4. Tips to prevent heat stroke in children

・ Carefully observe children’s faces and the degree of their sweating.
・ Teach children proper hydration.
・ Acclimate children to heat on a daily basis.
・ Choose clothes with high sweat absorption properties.