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Heat stroke is no joke

Throughout the years, I haven’t been very smart when it comes to protecting myself against the heat in the summertime.

Throughout the years, I haven’t been very smart when it comes to protecting myself against the heat in the summertime.


In high school, I had a mild case of undiagnosed heat stroke after being stuck in a hot classroom on one of the hottest days of the year.


A teacher did come to fix the temperature in the room eventually, but the damage was done for me.


I was experiencing light headedness, dizziness, muscle weakness, shallow breathing, nausea, and I felt like I was going to pass out numerous times.


Originally, I thought I had a bad headache because I was dehydrated. The water I was drinking didn’t help, and my symptoms just kept getting worse.


Honestly, I don’t remember a lot about that morning. I couldn’t focus on anything, and don’t think I got anything done.


I only realized I was experiencing heat stroke when I went into the cool auditorium for a mandatory assembly, and I started to feel a lot better.


I consider my experience with heat stroke a mild case, because I know it could have been much worse.


It’s an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Since then, I have been vigilant about staying cool when heat warnings are in effect.


When volunteering at the Pan American Games in Toronto, I had an allergic reaction to the sun that resulted in a rash down the left side of my body.


A sun allergy best describes an itchy, red rash that occurs on the skin after too much exposure to sunlight.


I tried to ignore my symptoms until the itching became unbearable, and the on-site doctor diagnosed it right away.


I had a slightly severe case that was cleared up with a steroid cream, and I stayed out of the sun for a few days. (There’s a couple of photos of me in my bright orange volunteer shirt with an umbrella toward the end of the games, and the rash is visible in a couple of them.)


I share my experiences to implore anyone reading to be very careful in the heat, and to get medical attention as soon as you can when you experience unusual symptoms.


Avoid some of the pain that I’ve experienced, and keep yourself hydrated this summer.




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