Dear Reader,
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of health-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and learn how to prevent them.
Heat exhaustion and heat cramps: With heat exhaustion and heat cramps, your internal body temperature doesn't rise as high as with heatstroke. Other symptoms may include cool, moist skin with goose bumps while in the heat; heavy sweating; faintness and dizziness; a weak, rapid pulse; and muscle cramps.
The following steps may lower your body temperature and ease symptoms: - Get to a shady or air-conditioned place.
- Cool off with damp sheets and a fan, or take a cool shower or bath. If you're outdoors, soak in a cool pond or stream.
- Rehydrate — drink lots of fluids. Because you lose salt through sweating, consume sports drinks to replenish salt and water.
- Don't drink alcoholic or sugary beverages — these interfere with your body's ability to control your temperature.
- Rest. Don't resume strenuous activity for several hours after symptoms go away.
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