Do you know some heat related illnesses/issues and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing them?

As the weather is getting warmer it is good to remember ways to combat heat related illnesses and issues.  Knowing the signs and differences between a sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke may help you or another person in these warmer/Summer months.

Sunburn– Skin irritation painful and red in color depending on severity can lead to blisters.

     What to do for Sunburns

  • Stay out of the sun till the burn has time to heal
  • Use cool clothes or cold baths to sooth skin
  • Apply lotions/aloe
  • Do not break blisters

Heat Cramps– Heavy sweating during intense exercises and muscle cramps/spasms

     What to do for Heat Cramps

  • Stop the strenuous activity and move to a cooler place
  • Drink water or an electrolyte beverage- Hydrate
  • Let the Cramps/ Spasms cease before continuing with activity
  • Seek medical attention if cramps last longer than an hour/ If you have Heart problems

Heat Exhaustion– Heat exhaustion can look like heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, Nausea/vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness/weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting

    What to do for Heat Exhaustion

  • Move to a cool place
  • Loosen your clothes
  • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
  • Sip water
  • Seek medical attention if you are throwing up, symptoms worsen, symptoms last longer than an hour

Heat Stroke– High body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot/red/dry or damp skin, fast/strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, losing consciousness

    What to do for Heat Stroke

  • Call 911- heat stroke is a medical emergency
  • Move the person to a cooler place
  • Help lower the persons temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
  • Do not give the person anything to drink

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

 

 

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