On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2016.06.25(Sat)/09:00～

Please take precautions to avoid 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. There is a trend that has appeared, showing an increased number of ambulance calls for cases of heat stroke on days when the high temperature for the day exceeds 31 degrees Celsius. And, please be aware that heatstroke doesn't only occur during outdoor activity, but many times occurs inside. Also, take extra care both during and after performing physical labor, and during exercise.

In particular, the elderly are at risk of heatstroke. They may not be aware of increases in temperature and can benefit from being warned. Also, infants may succumb to heatstroke very quickly. Keep an eye on children.

Here are some ways to help avoid heatstroke. Keep hydrated by drinking often. Also make sure to replenish the salts in your body when you sweat. And, when going out, be sure to wear a hat or use a sun umbrella. Pay attention to room temperature and the weather outside. Use air conditioning and fans to help regulate body temperature. Also, it is said that getting a good night's sleep also helps reduce the risk of suffering heat stroke.

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.

Search “Fukuoka-shi necchusho jyouhou” in Japanese and check out the homepage. There you’ll be able to see a heat index forecast that will let you know when the danger of experiencing heatstroke goes up, as well as see information on the number of ambulance calls in the city for heatstroke. Be sure to take a look.

And, heatstroke is not the only danger that comes during the summer season. It is also important to be wary of infectious diseases. Every year, hand foot and mouth disease, herpangina mouth blisters, PCF pool fever and other contagious infections spread. In the heat, often our bodies’ resistance is lowered and there is a danger of infections becoming more severe. Monitor your body’s health and be sure to wash your hands and gargle when returning home and before meals.

In the case you go overseas, you may be exposed to things like dengue fever, the zika virus, or other infectious diseases like these spread by mosquitos. Take care by keeping well dressed in crowded places and try to use mosquito repellants and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.