A Prescription for Sunburn and Heat Exhaustion
Posted July 2, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Health, Travel Tips
Up until now, I’ve been surnburned only once in my life — after sitting in the Mediterranean sun for hours the day after our arrival on the Costa del Sol. That happened when I was 14.
Now fast forward 34 years. What with a huge landscape project underway, trying to get the house and garden ready for our annual Canada Day Eve block party and a planned family visit, I pulled a really stupid move last week.
With temperatures soaring to 100F and not a cloud in the sky, I spent hour after hour over the course of a few days working in the garden wearing only shorts and a bikini top.
No hat, no sunblock and much to my surprise, not only was my back deep-fried, I had a case of heat exhaustion that lasted for 4 days.
Let me tell you, it’s not fun.
According to MedicineNet, “heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment“.
The symptons include:
- heavy sweating
- paleness
- muscle cramps
- tiredness
- weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- fainting
I fortunately was spared the fainting, nausea and vomiting; but got the rest in spades. Luckily, we have a pool in which I took regular cool dips and air conditioning, which of which are part of the recommended treatment.
Do yourself a favor and spare yourself the pain of it all… sunburn and/or heat exhaustion. Wear a hat, proper skin protection and sun block.
Magellan’s carries a vast array of Sun Protection products including fabulous Packable Straw Hats and Sunblock Shirts… both of which were in my closet.
Duh. 
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Comments
One Response to “A Prescription for Sunburn and Heat Exhaustion”
Got something to say?
Might I just add, drink plenty of fluids, water is most important when working out in the hot sun you need to replace all those fluids that you lose when your body is trying to keep you cool.
Try working during the early morning, take a long break during the middle of the day and resume in the late aftermoon or in the evenings. A really bad case of heat exhaustion can take years to get over!
[Reply]