Heatstroke: What is it, how does it occur, and how to prevent it?
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Heatstroke: What is it, how does it occur, and how to prevent it?
14 Sept 01:23Key points summarised by AI
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, is a severe condition where the body's temperature rises above 40°C, causing symptoms like confusion, altered mental state, and potential damage to vital organs, leading to permanent disability or death, as tragically exemplified by a recent high-profile death in Thailand.
It commonly occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature due to prolonged heat exposure or strenuous activity, with vulnerable groups including outdoor workers, the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions, accounting for 2,500-3,000 cases and an average of 33 deaths annually in Thailand.
Prevent heatstroke by ensuring adequate hydration, wearing light-colored, breathable clothing, avoiding direct sunlight during peak heat, and rescheduling outdoor activities; immediate first aid involves cooling the body with a cold wet cloth and seeking prompt medical attention.
Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.