How to Guard Against Heat-Related Illnesses

As Korea heads into the sweltering summer, the risk of heat-related illnesses rises as well. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can even happen indoors unless people take precautions.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed 4,526 patients of heat-related illnesses last year, and found that the second highest incidence rate of heat-related illnesses was indoors with 13.8 percent or 624 patients. The biggest threat was from outdoor workplaces like building sites.

Although the indoors is protected by shade, sealed environments can heat up like an oven. The best way to avoid getting sick is to keep the room temperature at around 26 degrees and humidity level at 50 percent.

Air conditioning is the most effective way to keep the temperature down. Failing that, open the windows or doors to let fresh air in, but keep blinds or curtains closed to create shade.

Yang Hee-bum at Nowon Eulji Medical Center in Seoul said, "If there's no wind, use a fan to circulate air," keeping the head of the fan facing upward to mix hot air with cooler air and bring the temperature down. When the outdoor temperature is much higher than indoors, face the fan towards windows or doors to prevent hot air from creeping in. Spray water on the floor of a balcony to produce evaporation cooling.

Cold showers are another effective way to fight overheating. Hwang Sun-wook at St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul said, "Start with lukewarm water and gradually lower the temperature until you feel it is cool enough."

Wearing loose clothes made with highly breathable fabrics will help keep you cool, as tight clothes prevent the body from letting heat out.