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Avoiding Heat-Related Illness
Higher temperatures outside increase the risk for heat related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some symptoms and treatments, and tips for keeping cool.
Suggestions to prevent heat related illnesses:
- Wear light, loose clothing
- When working out consider wearing clothing made of high-tech fiber, designed to wick moisture from body
- Drink plenty of fluids before you feel thirsty
- Drink extra fluids if you sweat heavily
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- If overheated, improve ventilation (windows, fans, air conditioners)
- Park vehicles in the shade
- Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even if the windows are open
- Wear hats and other protective clothing in the sun, or use an umbrella
- Limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
The following is courtesy Wasatch Constructors
Heat Stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself fast enough, due to high temperatures and/or high humidity, or extremely heavy exertion. The best remedy is to rest in a cooler place, drink plenty of water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include:
Profuse sweating
Intense thirst
Fatigue
Light-headedness
Clammy and pale skin
Weak and rapid pulse
Muscle cramps
Treatment may include:
Move to air-conditioned place
Loosen tight-fitting clothing and remove excessive clothing
Sip salted water
Lay on back and raise feet slightly
Get medical help
Heat Stroke
This is a serious medical emergency that can be deadly, and carries a 20% mortality rate. Heat stroke occurs when the body depletes its salt and water supplies, and therefore is unable to sweat. When sweating stops, the body cannot get rid of heat, and body temperature soars.
Symptoms include:
Dizziness, headache
Hot, dry, flushed skin
Full and fast pulse
Temperature as high as 106 degrees
Confusion, delirium
Convulsions
Unconciousness
Treatment may include:
Emergency transport to medical facility
Strip to underclothes
Lay on back, head and shoulders slightly raised
Put ice or cold wet cloth on head
Sip cool water if concious
Do not take coffee, cigarettes, or stimulants
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