How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion

What is Heat Exhaustion?

If you live in a hot climate, you’re probably familiar with heat exhaustion. Often accompanied by dehydration, heat exhaustion occurs when the body fails to keep itself cool, usually related to factors such as high temperatures, humidity and strenuous physical activities. We at IonLoop want to make sure you all stay cool as you’re enjoying outdoor activities this July and August, generally the hottest months of the year in North America.

Know the Symptoms
This is the first step to fighting heat exhaustion early. When exposed to high temperatures or enjoying outdoor sports this summer, be on the lookout for:

• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Fainting 
• Confusion 
• Headache 
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration) 
• Muscle or abdominal cramps 
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 
• Pale skin 
• Profuse sweating 
• Rapid heartbeat

If these symptoms are not treated, heat exhaustion can progress to a more serious heat stroke, which can be life threatening.

Know the Risk Factors

There are plenty of things you can do to help your body cool itself more efficiently – plus a few things that are out of our control. Conditions that increase the risk for heat exhaustion include:

• Dehydration 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Obesity or lack of body weight 
• Poor air quality
•  High relative humidity 
• Some medications (be sure to read the warnings or check with your doctor) 
• Age (the elderly and children are at highest risk) 
• Poor circulation
• Sunburn
• Other health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, & mental illness

If any of these conditions apply to you, you’ll need to take extra precautions to avoid suffering from heat exhaustion.

Treatment

If you or someone around you begins to display symptoms, immediately get out of the heat and rest in an air-conditioned room (if possible). You can also:

• Use fans
• Drink cool water, slowly
• Avoid rapid movements
• If necessary, apply cold towels or ice packs to lower your body temperature
• Prevention

In many ways, treatment and prevention are one in the same:

• Drink water before and during heat exposure
• Acclimate to the heat slowly
• Avoid heavy or tight-fitting clothing
• Protect your skin from sunburn
• Take regular breaks in a shaded place

Can Negative Ion Wristbands Prevent Heat Exhaustion?

• The sun’s UV rays emit energy draining positive ions. Negative ion wristbands like the IonLoop silicone magnet bracelet are believed to offer benefits that keep the body in a healthier state. We do not specifically market the IonLoop as a method to prevent heat exhaustion, yet our customers continually report that these sport wristbands provide them:

• Improved stamina and increased athletic performance
• Shortened recovery time following athletic performance
• Lessened fatigue

We invite you to give it a try and see how it works for you!