“Major Heat” Coming: Beating Heat-Related Illnesses

Despite occasional thunderstorms at night, hot spells linger throughout much of the day. Just recently, an African tourist suffered heat stroke while visiting Tian’anmen Square. State media, quoting Beijing Morning Post and reporting a viral Weibo post, said the 60-year-old man gradually recovered after receiving treatment and resting under a guard’s umbrella.

The incident became a trending topic on Chinese social media, with many people noting how unbearable the heat is now. Weather authorities in Beijing warn that soaring temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius are expected in the next few days.

The scorching weather to come marks the peak of what the Chinese solar calendar calls as “Major Heat” (大暑 Dà shǔ). Too much of staying under the sun, or in warm and humid places, can result in either heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

What are these illnesses?
Mayo Clinic website explains that these heat-related illnesses can strike anyone from infants and children, the elderly, athletes, workers, or healthy adults.

Heat cramps cause involuntary muscle spasms and are often associated with dehydration.
Heat exhaustion happens when sweating does not “dissipate the heat generated within the body” during activities like exercising or working.
Heat stroke is a condition when body temperature becomes elevated, causing dehydration. Heat stroke is preventable but is some extreme cases, it turns to a medical emergency and can be fatal.

You can beat these heat-related illnesses by taking precautionary measures like keeping yourself hydrated, wearing loose-fitting and light clothing, and limiting outdoor activities (like exercising or working) if necessary. Eating cooling fruits and vegetables and even ice cream help lower your body temperature. Click the infographic below to see other ways to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.