Although Jamaica rarely records temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), as seen in other parts of the world, medical practitioner Dr Lincoln Wright is urging the public to protect themselves while in the sun, as prolonged exposure can still lead to heat stroke.

In an interview with OBSERVER ONLINE on Tuesday, Dr Wright stressed the importance of a person protecting their body from the rays of the sun and staying hydrated to prevent heat stroke, a condition caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.

“Fortunately, although we live in the tropics, our temperature doesn’t climb to the levels that it does in Europe and the Middle East and other parts of the world. Our temperature really ever gets up to 43 Celsius. But, although that is not the case in Jamaica where it goes to 40 Celsius and above, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to heat stroke,” Dr Wright said.

“One [should] avoid being out in the sun if you don’t have to for extended periods. And if you have to be out there for extended periods, you have to wear clothing to [protect yourself] like a broad hat, that will take the sun off your body, you have to wear loose fitting clothes, you have to keep yourself hydrated [and] drink a lot of fluids to prevent your body from getting too hot,” he advised, noting that if the body reaches 104 Fahrenheit or higher heat stroke can occur.

The doctor explained that symptoms of heat stroke include fainting, skin being hot to the touch, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea and vomiting, excessive sweating, confusion and loss of consciousness.

However, even though Dr Wright said he hasn’t seen anyone suffering from a heat stroke in a “long time,” he still warned that diabetic patients may be at a higher risk because, “if the diabetes is uncontrolled, people will tend to be dehydrated, so it makes them more prone to further dehydration and it leads to the collapse of the circulatory system.”

TIPS FOR PREVENTING HEAT STROKE:

· Avoid being out in the sun for extended periods

· Wear clothing that protects you from the heat

· Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing

· Keep hydrated

· Keep your body cool

· Never leave anyone in a parked car