On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2015.06.27(Sat)/09:00～

Every year, after the rainy season, the summer’s heat sets in. And, as our bodies are not used to it, the number of people affected by heatstroke suddenly increases. With temperatures rising over 32 degrees, more and more people receive emergency transport and care for heatstroke or fear of heatstroke.

Heatstroke occurs when, in a hot climate, your body no longer is able to regulate its temperature appropriately and becomes dehydrated, or your body’s salt level drops. You may experience headaches, dizziness or nausea. If you find that you aren’t quite feeling as you think you should, be sure to take a break from what you’re doing, cool off and drink water and increase your sodium intake. If your symptoms do not improve, be sure to get medical attention.

In particular, the elderly are at risk of heatstroke. They may not be aware of increases in temperature and can benefit from being warned. Asides from when the elderly are out on walks or working in rice paddies, they are also at high risk indoors. Also, infants may succumb to heatstroke very quickly. Keep an eye on children. In fact, everyone should watch out for heatstroke; those between the ages of 20 and 50 should take extra care when working and after the day’s work is finished, as well as should elementary, junior high and high school students exercising outdoors.

According to a study by the Fukuoka City Institute of Health and Environment, sun parasols can reduce temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees and temperatures can be reduced from 2 to 5 degrees in shade. The results are proven. Stay out of the sun and safe from heatstroke!

Here are some ways to help avoid heatstroke. Keep hydrated by drinking often. Also make sure to replenish the salts in your body. And, when going out, be sure to wear a hat or use a sun umbrella. Pay attention to room temperature and the weather outside. Take it easy and don’t overwork yourself. Also, when you register for Fukuoka City’s Bosai Mail Disaster Prevention mail system, you will receive alerts regarding heatstroke. Fukuoka's Bousai Mail reports the Wet Bulb-GlobeTemperature’s heat index forecast. To register, send a blank email to entry@fukuoka-city.jp. Then, click the link in the reply you receive to register.