Stay Safe During Summer Months: Know the Signs of Heat Illnesses
As the heat index rises it’s important to know how to remain safe while outdoors. There are several heat related illnesses that are common and cause varied bodily responses.
The top three heat related illnesses that are most common during summer months are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps typically occur during physical activity.Your body may begin to over heat and experience escalated sweating coupled with cramping in your legs, arms or stomach. When this happens stop physical activity, hydrate and stretch the area.
Heat exhaustion occurs when you’ve been exposed to heat for too long. This may show in signs of headache, nausea and clammy skin. Find a cool place, inside a building or shady area. It’s important to cool down, but not too quickly.
Heat stroke is the most serious. When this is looming you may experience no sweating at all, even though you are exposed to heat. This may also be coupled with headache. Call 911 and proceed to the neatest emergency facility.
It is important to drink water when exposed to high temperatures and once you feel ill cool off as soon as possible.
