Summer can be hot hot hot. It’s not uncommon for people who enjoy the outdoors to feel hot and or sweat. To keep the heat from getting the best of you, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and know what to do if symptoms of heat-related illnesses appear.
If you experience heat cramps, rest in a cooler place, lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink water. If you have the tell-tale signs of heat exhaustion (profuse sweating, pale, body temperature near normal (98.6°F), rest in a cool pace, remove or loosen any tight-fitting clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to exposed areas, especially the head, and drink cool water.
If you don’t alleviate the symptoms of heat exhaustion, they could turn into heat stroke, the worst heat-related injury. It occurs when the brain has lost its ability to send messages to the body to regulate temperature. Those suffering from this condition have dry, hot, red skin, extreme confusion, a rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, temperatures as high as 105°F, and may lose consciousness. Heat stroke victims need professional emergency care quickly. Call 9-1-1 immediately!