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Health & Fitness

Stay Healthy in the Heat

Spring has finally arrived and many of us are eager to take advantage of the wealth of outdoor, summer-time activities available in our area after being cooped up all winter. However, it is important to remember to be smart about the heat. Hot summer temperatures, coupled with dehydration, are a recipe for heat-related illnesses, especially when you add physical activity into the mix.

The most common heat-related illness is heat cramps. Its symptoms include excess sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps (usually in the stomach, arms or legs). This condition is common in very hot weather or with moderate to heavy physical activity. You can usually treat heat cramps by drinking water or fluids containing electrolytes (like sports drinks), resting and getting to a cool spot, like a shaded or air-conditioned area.

If not treated, heat cramps can escalate into heat exhaustion, which is characterized by symptoms such as headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, and nausea. Treating heat exhaustion is very similar to heat cramps – drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, get into an air-conditioned area or take a cool shower.

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Heatstroke is the most dangerous of heat-related illnesses and is characterized by a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher. Other symptoms of heatstroke include:

  • A lack of sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Racing heart rate
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Muscle cramps or weakness

Seek immediate medical help if you suspect someone has heatstroke. Call 911 or your local emergency services number and take immediate action to cool the overheated person with ice-packs, or cold-wet towels on the head, neck, groin and armpit areas while waiting for emergency treatment. 

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