The summer season in Japan can be hard to endure, especially for those who may not be from tropical regions. Summer in Japan typically lasts from June to August, but due to climate change, Japan starts to feel the summer heat as early as May and continues to feel it towards the end of September. High temperatures and humidity make for a dangerous environment for people, especially for vulnerable groups. Heatstroke was a primary concern last year, having been the cause of death of about 120 people all within one month.
In this article, we’ll discuss tips to avoid heatstroke and cool down during the summer months.
What Is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when the temperature of the body rises sharply. This may happen because of excessively high outside temperatures, physical exertion, extensive burns and severe sunburn, or an undiagnosed medical condition. Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of serious harm. These include the elderly, babies and young children, and physically active people. Certain medications can also make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
When Does Heatstroke Occur?
Image credit: Canva
People usually get heat stroke after exertion, such as sports, at the beach, parks, or places where people gather outside. Many incidents happen when people do not drink sufficient water before participating in activities. In Japan, there is a significant number of individuals who die because of heatstroke. Last year, high temperatures put Japan through some of the hottest days, affecting the agricultural industry and leaving many people in the hospital. Therefore, it is critical for you to take care of yourself and avoid heatstroke. So how exactly can you prevent heat stroke?
How to Prevent Heatstroke?
Here are some essential measures you can take to prevent heatstroke.
Frequent Intake of Sports Drinks, Minerals, and Salt
Image credit: Canva
In Japan, various sports drinks are available at convenience stores and vending machines. Consuming salt, minerals, and sports drinks is widely recommended to avoid heatstroke. A water bottle contains only a few minerals, but Japanese sports drinks contain many tasty minerals. Drink these kinds of drinks regularly, as they can prevent you from getting heat stroke.
If you want a non-sweet beverage rather than a sports drink, mugicha (barley tea) is also suitable for rehydration because you can get water and minerals from the tea. Bottled mugicha is available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines and is slightly cheaper than other tea beverages.
If you’ll be outside for the whole day, try storing your drinks in the freezer and taking them with you so you can have a cold sip now and then. Convenience stores also offer some drinks that are already frozen in the frozen aisle.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are known to act as diuretics.
Be sure to carry salt candies to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweating. Visit any pharmacy, where you’ll find a big selection of salt candies, providing a wide range of flavors.
Oral Rehydration Solution Therapy (OS1 Drink)
Many Japanese people recommend keeping some Oral Rehydration Solution, also known as OS1 Drink, at home during the summer months. It contains more salt and minerals than sports drinks, so it is extra effective in rehydration after being outside in the blazing sun. It’s available in jelly and bottled form, offering non-flavored and apple-flavored options.
More information on the drink can be found here: www.otsuka.co.jp/en/nutraceutical/products/os-1/.
Know When to Rest
Don’t overexert yourself. Know your limit and when to rest. Stay indoors as much as possible, especially on extra-hot days and during the hotter midday hours. If you’re out with friends or by yourself, take a detour to a local supermarket or mall to buy drinks to rehydrate and cool off. Many places have seating outside with outdoor mist cooling systems for guests.
If you can’t find a shop, then try to find shade. Although you’ll still be outside, avoiding direct sunlight can help.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wear loose clothing, light in color and fabric, and a hat and sunblock. Or do what many people in Japan do, carry a parasol. It may take some time to get used to, but you’ll immediately feel the difference. Avoiding the sun not only helps keep you cool but also protects you from harmful UV rays.
When shopping for clothes, look for clothes made with cotton or linen, which are more breathable than other materials. Another option is shopping at Uniqlo, where you’ll find their infamous AIRism line, which is meant to keep you cool during the summer days.
Keep Cool Inside
Image credit: Canva
You should open windows in the evening and use fans or turn on air conditioning when indoors. Try to keep the shades or curtains closed in areas with a lot of sunlight to keep your home cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that does, like a mall, library, or movie theater.
Be careful of overcooling your house, though—it’s easy to get a cold in summer if you constantly move around due to the sweltering heat outside and the freezing air-conditioned spaces indoors. Blasting the AC at night is also a sure way to get sick.
What to Do When You See People Who Are Ill
If you suspect someone has heatstroke, immediately call an ambulance or transport the person to a hospital.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, move the person to an air-conditioned environment- or at least a cool, shady area- and remove any unnecessary clothing.
You can also try these strategies:
- Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or tap.
- Apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
- Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water.
- If the person is young and healthy and has suffered heatstroke while exercising vigorously (known as exertional heatstroke), you can use an ice bath to help cool the body.
Staying Safe From Heatstroke
There’s a lot to enjoy during summer in Japan, but be mindful of how you’re feeling, and make sure to care for your body with rest, hydration, and protection from the sun. If traveling in a group, be sure to keep others in mind when walking around in the summer heat. Try to stop every now and then to take a drink break and check in on your friends.
Related Articles:
- Easy Advice and Must-Haves to Survive Summer in Japan
- A Simple Guide to Japanese Sunscreen
- Indoor Activities to Stay Cool This Summer in Tokyo
Featured image credit: Canva
