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The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips.
If You Have Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion - Suggestions for how to cool down
(HealthDay News) -- Heat exhaustion may affect people who spend hours in the sun or very hot weather without drinking enough fluids.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, fatigue and weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to cool down when you have symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- Drink plenty cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
- Get enough rest.
- In cool water, take a sponge bath or shower.
- Stay inside in an air conditioned building.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
Copyright © 2010 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
| Who's at Risk for Heat Illness? The young, old and chronically sick |
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(HealthDay News) -- Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are potentially deadly conditions stemming from a dangerous rise in body temperature. While everyone is at risk of a heat-related illness, some people are especially vulnerable.
The U.S. National Safety Council says the following people should take extra care to keep cool and hydrated during the stifling heat of summer:
- Senior citizens.
- Babies and young children.
- Outdoor pets.
- People with heart conditions, circulatory problems or other chronic illnesses.
- Anyone who has to work outside in the mid-day heat.
- People who exercise outdoors frequently.
- People who take medication that affects sweat production.
- People who abuse alcohol and drugs.
Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
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If you must be out in the heat:
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first "tip" (above), too.
- Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
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