General Information
Heat related illnesses are caused by the body improperly cooling itself down. The way our body cools down is by sweating but in extreme temperatures or when someone is doing physical activities in the heat, it might not be enough to keep the body cool. There are 3 types of heat illness: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Heat cramps is first stage of the heat illnesses, heat exhaustion is next, and heat stroke is the most dangerous.
Heat Cramps Symptoms: heavy sweating during exercise and muscle cramping
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: heavy sweating, cold, pale, weak pulse, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and fainting.
Heat Stroke Symptoms: high body temperature, hat, red, dry skin, fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, losing consciousness
How to Prevent
Stay Cool: Take breaks in shady areas, try going out during the cooler parts of the day like mornings and afternoons
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, don’t wait until the hot day to start drinking
Stay Informed: Stay updated on local weather updates and forecasts, know the right procedure if you or someone you know gets and heat related illness
What to do
Stop physical activity, drink water or sports drink, loosen your clothes, move to a cool area, place wet clothes on yourself or take a cool bath, if it is a heatstroke call 911 for an emergency
