I found this article from my baul. I just thought I'd post it here after I read ma'am Amor's blog on her Koko :) I was reminded writing an article back in 2003 about heat stroke, inspired by how my bird became a victim...o well...
Early that Sunday morning my in-law transferred our ‘maina’ in her new cage. A cage much, much better than the one she’s been in for almost a year. It was dome shaped and made of metal coated with brown paint, which made it look like brass. We placed the cage at a corner in our rooftop where it was surrounded with plants, giving the bird a feel of being in a garden. Everyone was just too pleased to see her in that beautiful cage that no one had the faintest idea of what a big mistake we did.
At around 2 p.m. of that same day, my brother ran down the stairs holding in his hand a black feathery thing…yes it was the bird! She was not breathing and her body was so hot. We went up to see the cage and there it stood under the heat of the sun…my in-law uttered “na-heat stroke” and my sister quipped “kaw ba naman ang mababad ng ganyan sa araw e!”
Many sneered or even laughed at me when they hear how sad everyone in the house was after the incident, but what they don’t realize is that we were sad because we felt like the bird was roasted in her cage because we took for granted the sometimes, unfriendly heat of the sun.
My sister was right “ikaw ba naman ang mababad ng ganyan sa araw e!” because, later I found out that incidence of heat stroke has been reported all over the world. People have been dying of this illness and just recently, Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit warned the public of this illness.
Heat stroke is a type of heat stress, just like heat cramps and heat exhaustion, but it is the most serious of the three types as it can cause brain damage if not death.
Heat cramps are caused by muscle contraction at the hamstring areas. This can be really painful, like severe muscle pull. Decrease in body fluid and high temperature often cause this illness, thus a good amount of water intake and rest in a cool place can help prevent this. While heat cramp is not life threatening, ignoring it may lead to the development of a more serious heat related illness.
Heat exhaustion, as its name implies, is when the body gets exhausted from cooling off. Experts often remind us that sweating is healthy since it cools off our body and by that, balance the body temperature. However, very high temperature may sometimes cause our body to heat up faster that it can perspire, and the body then gets tired of cooling of.
Heat exhaustion is often characterized by fatigue, dizziness, nausea, paleness, vomiting and cool, clammy skin.
If signs of this illness manifests, it is best to go to a cool and shady environment or cool the body with tepid water. Covering the body with towels soaked in cold water will also help. Drink water a little at a time, but do it lots of times to ensure that the body keeps hydrated.
Heat exhaustion is a serious illness and should not be taken for granted. If the body temperature stay high even after treatment, it is best to consult a doctor.
Heat stroke on the other hand is a gravely serious illness, which may lead to death. This is when the body stops sweating while the body temperature continues to rise. While heat exhaustion slowly strikes and symptoms are often noticed easily, heat strokes may strike without warnings. The body turns hot and dry even in the under arms. A victim may suddenly show a change in behavior and may even hallucinate. Rapid pulse, delirium and seizure often happen. Then the victim becomes unconscious.
People who are unaccustomed to heat or who often becomes dehydrated from exercise or vomiting are most likely to be victims, so are people who works outdoors or who spend too much time under the sun. Those with diabetes, or heart disease should also be careful. Infants are also susceptible to these illnesses since their sweat glands are not yet well developed.
In a country such as ours where the weather shoots up often and especially now that El Niño is up, it is wise know what signs to look for to determine possible heat stress. Yet, it is still best to cautious to prevent heat related illnesses.
Taking care of the body and making sure that it is well hydrated may prevent these heat related illnesses. Drink lots of water before and after beating the heat. Putting salt in the water may also help (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 quart of water). Formulated drinks such as Gatorade are also good since they maintain electrolytes in the body. If you happen to sweat a lot, drink more water.
Aside from hydration, ventilation is also very important. Sitting in shaded, places or places with plenty of airspace helps the body to naturally cool off. Always open windows when indoors or use a fan. Don’t stay long under the heat of the sun rest and cool off from time to time.
As for clothing, wear loose ones that would allow the body to release heat. Try to avoid tight clothing as it restricts the heat from coming out. Dark colors on the other hand absorb heat. Hats are okay, but when you feel that your head is getting hot remove it to prevent the heat from being trapped in you body.
So, your job may require you to stay under the sun, or you may feel like its summer and you ought to be under the sun having fun. But put in mind that the outdoors is not always fun and the sun is not always friendly.
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