If You Can't Stand the Heat

When the thermometer hits the 90s, our bodies can build up too much heat. That can lead to symptoms ranging from light-headedness to permanent damage to your vital organs and even death.

Infants, young children, elderly people, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, people who work or exercise in the heat and people who take certain medications are most vulnerable to heat illness, but extremely high temperatures can affect anyone.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. When body temperature rises excessively, you can become delirious, confused or disoriented, have a seizure or lose consciousness.

Heat exhaustion occurs when you’re dehydrated, for example, when you’re exercising outdoors and not drinking enough fluids. Symptoms include severe thirst, tiredness, headache, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, clammy or pale skin and dizziness. If not treated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke.

Heat cramps in the legs or abdominal muscles can plague weekend athletes who haven’t had enough fluids.

What to do about heat illness

If you suspect heat stroke, call for medical help immediately. Remember, this is a life-threatening emergency. Move the person into the shade if outdoors. Spray the victim with water and fan vigorously, or apply ice packs on the neck, armpits or groin.

If you recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion, sit or lie down in a shady place. Drink a cool, nonalcoholic beverage. If symptoms continue, apply cool, wet towels and call for emergency medical help.

To relieve heat cramps, sit or lie down in the shade, drink a cool, nonalcoholic beverage and stretch affected muscles.

Preventing heat illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best defense against heat illness is prevention. Here are some tips for preventing heat illness.

• Drink more nonalcoholic fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Be sure, however, to check with your doctor if you’re on medications that affect your body’s fluid concentration such as water pills. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor how much you should drink in hot weather.
• Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or a lot of sugar; they can dehydrate you even more. Very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.
• If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned room. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, find a store or other building that is air conditioned. Fans alone will not prevent heat-related illness in very high temperatures. If you must stay home during a heat wave, take a cool shower.
• Check frequently on high-risk people and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• If you must be out in the heat, try to limit activity to cooler hours in the morning and evening.
• If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids (nonalcoholic) every hour. Rest often in the shade, and take sun protection measures such as wearing a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. 

Disclaimer: Information contained herein is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your physician for your medical oversight.