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

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 fluids, ideally something with electrolytes. 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 attention.

Warning signs of heat stroke

• Confusion

• Headache

• Nausea

• Not sweating

• Vomiting

• Unconsciousness

What to do for heat stroke

If you are suffering from these symptoms or suspect that someone is experiencing a heat stroke, immediately call 911, move to a cooler location and try to cool the body with cold compresses or cool liquid on the skin. Do NOT give fluids .

Risk factors

If you are elderly, take medications for hypertension or heart conditions, or are overweight, you are at increased risk for both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. High humidity also increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Prevention

Avoid being outside for prolonged periods of time, especially during hot afternoon hours

If you must be outside, hydrate before, during and after activity or exercise

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

Drink plenty of water or electrolyte fluids

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages which are dehydrating

SRPMIC Fire Marshal Dustin Zamboni also gives this advice to stay safe:

“Conduct physical activities early in the day when temperatures are lower. Also, as tempting as it might be to jump into the canal to cool off, it can be very dangerous and for that reason, only swim at a designated community pool with a lifeguard.”