Tuesday, August 9, 2016
August 9, 2016
by Dr. Kathleen Hall
Heat Stress
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause illness and even death. You can experience heat cramps, heat rash, and heat exhaustion when you’re outdoors and even when you’re indoors (specifically areas without proper ventilation or cooling systems).
There are certain conditions that can be very dangerous for your health such as when there are high temperatures and humidity, very little breeze, and exposure to direct sunlight. Other problems can occur especially when you’re doing heavy physical labor and don’t drink enough water.
Be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, headache, weakness, confusion, irritability, thirst, nausea, and vomiting. With a heat stroke, you may be confused, you may collapse and you may experience seizures also.
If you experience heat stress take the following steps:
? Stop physical activity and relax in a cool place.
? Drink plenty of fluids rich in salts and electrolytes to replace moisture loss through sweating.
? Use cool compresses to decrease temperature.
? In the event of suspected heat stroke, call 911.