Here in Chicago we’ve had record-breaking heat this summer. And when someone doesn’t know how to manage the heat they can become quite sick or worse, die. Getting overheated is one thing, suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion is much more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some warning signs to know if you need medical attention:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Fainting
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
- Replace Salt and Minerals
- Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
- Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
- Pace Yourself
- Stay Cool Indoors
- Use a Buddy System
- Monitor Those at High Risk
- Use Common Sense
To learn more from the CDC, follow this link: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
Stay cool, stay well!
