Don’t get beaten by the heat in Ballito
It's only going to get hotter - so make sure you know how to cope with the heat.
The little red line on the thermostat is climbing ever higher as we approach February – the notoriously hottest month of the year on the Dolphin Coast – and the heat can be more than merely uncomfortable.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very real dangers, particularly for the very young or old.
According to Netcare 911 these conditions can be life threatening.
To avoid possible heat exhaustion, Netcare 911 advises taking precautions – including staying well hydrated, taking special care with the elderly and infants as they pose a high risk, avoiding strenuous exercise in the heat and avoiding direct sunlight where possible.
Heat exhaustion manifests with the following symptoms: severe headache, disorientation, cramps, nausea and vomiting.
If these symptoms are present, move the affected person to a cool area and rehydrate them with clear fluids.
Heat stroke is a more serious condition and poses a very real threat.
This condition normally follows on from heat exhaustion and is caused by prolonged physical activity and exposure to high temperatures.
A person suffering from heat stroke will exhibit certain tell-tale signs, including hot and dry skin (no sweating), severe confusion and loss of consciousness, high body temperature (40+ degrees), altered mental state and strange behaviour, nausea and vomiting, flushed dry skin, racing heart rate and headache.
If you suspect that yourself – or somebody around you – is suffering from heat stroke, immediately move into a cool area, stay hydrated and if necessary call for emergency assistance.
>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.
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