The summer swelter is here as temperatures and humidity continue to rise. This increases health risks as you work and play outside, especially for older people and young children.
Excessive heat can cause several health problems including heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin that feels cool and moist
- Muscle cramps.
Move this person to a cooler location, apply cool wet cloths to their body, and give them cool water to drink. If the person vomits or refuses to drink, call 9-1-1. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body loses its ability to control its own temperature.
Find out what's happening in Odenton-Severnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Patient First has these suggestions to help you avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Wear light-weight, light colored clothing made of breathable material, like cotton.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on hot days.
- If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a cool place.
- Air-conditioning is the best way to protect against heat-related illness. If you do not have air-conditioning at home during extreme heat. Try to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as a shopping mall, public library, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelter in your area.
