Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-07-04
GUARD AGAINST sUNsTRoKE.
Great Care Should Be Given to Food
and Dress in Hot Weather.

and Dress in Hot Weather.
From the New York Herald.
The liability to heat stroke during the
sudden hot spells is an ever present condi
ton which must always be taken into ac
count, especially by persons who may be
exposed to the direct rays of a scorching
sun. AS no one can be considered abso-
lutely safe against an attack II behoOves
all to be on their guard and to use all the
ordinary precautions against the accident.
The seriousness Of the threat cannot be too
gravely considered at time when the
most confidently secure individual may
suddenly drop In his tracks and either die
in stupor or become more or less Of an
invalid for life. Even a rapid recovery
from a first seizure is in itself great
calamity. as the victim Is always prone
to a repetition of attack on the slightest
provocation.
All this goes to prove the prime impor-
lance of such preventive means as may be
at command While we cannot entirely
dodge the sun. we can. In a measure at
least, mitigate its effects. How to do the
latter is not always properly understood
The question Of adaptation to conditions
does not appeal to individuals as 1t should.
If 1t were otherwise many lives might be
saved. The weak and i'll nourished indi-
vfdual Is always more predisposed to sun
stroke than the stronger one Renee the
feeble and faint person should never tempt
fate by trying to work In the sun during
heated term. especially when 1t Is made
more oppressive by reason OF Increased hu-
mildly.
The habituaI drinker comes next on the
list of victims, and even the casual imbiber
Is never safe So well has this fact been
proven that no spirituous stimulants are
ever allowed to armies on a hot march.
The medical officers who have served in
tropical countries are so unanimous on this
point that no contrary argument can hold.
In the matter Of proper dress for hot ell
mates they can also be considered as lead
ing authorities. The protection of the head
and back Of the neck against the burning
sun Is, according to their view. OF the first
Importance. The army cork helmet. lined
with yellow or red flannel to neutralize the
heat rays, although considered the best for
Its purpose of head protection. can hardly
become the fashion here. but an imitation
of it's principles of construction might be
Of service. The ordinary yellow straw hat,
the soft light colored felt and the Panama
are suitable and efficient substitutes.
It is generally agreed that thin wooden
undergarments are least affected by heat
rays, while at the same time they more
readily absorb the body exhalations. For
such as work in the sun with single COW
ering for tie back and chest the old fash
Toned red flannel shirt is, on account of
color and texture an excellent garment.
For the outer clothing loose meshed, light
colored wooden or cotton fabrics serve a
good purpose. The instinct for GOODNESS Is
thus we'll explained on the scientific basis
Of our knowledge Of the penetrating power
Of the chemical. or heat rays of the sun.
The diet in hot weather should be suf-
ficient for good nutrition. Of digestibie
quality and plain character Iced tea Is
generally voted to be the most refreshing
and safest of the cooling drinks. This
sounds strangely enough In view OF the
many alluring connections of the soda
fountain and public bar. In spite of the
prejudices to the contrary, the cooling ef-
fects of the beverage are more lasting and
beneficial, and there are the extra advan-
taees in it's favor OF promoting perspira-
ton, stimulating heart action and eliminat-
ing respiratory products
Even with such general precautions 1t Is
wise to be on the sharp lookout for any Of
the many premonitOry symptoms OF pros
tration These signs OF danger are sudden
weakness. palpitation Of the heart. dizzi-
ness headache. hurried breathing. nausea
and arrested Precipitation. Under such cir
cumstances It is always proper to desist
from every exertion. mental or physical
take to cover and summon medical aid
often by prompt action what might other
wise be a fatal stroke may be effectually
averted.