SENIOR SERVICES
Know Your Health
Heat Exhaustion & Stroke
We are entering the warmest time of the year in the Valley and with the rising temperatures comes an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both are very serious.
Heat exhaustion is tied to dehydration. Hydration is not just about drinking water, but also about maintaining your body’s balance of essential electrolytes.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion • • •
Dehydration Dizziness Fainting
• • •
Headache Muscle cramps Nausea
• • •
Paleness Profuse sweating Weakness
What to do for heat exhaustion If you are, or you see someone, suffering from these conditions, it is important to cool down by going to a cool place, removing constrictive clothing and excess layers, icing pulse points or showering/soaking if possible, and drinking cool, sugar-free flu-
ids, ideally something with elec-
trolytes. Cooling down prevents symptoms from progressing to a heat stroke, a much more serious condition where body temperature rises to the point where organs can begin to fail. Heat stroke can lead to death or permanent disability. If symptoms do not improve within 15 minutes, seek immediate medical atten tion.
Warning signs of heat stroke • •
Confusion Headache
10 FALL 2022
• •
Nausea Not sweating
• •
Vomiting Unconsciousness
