According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat exhaustion is when the body can't cool itself down and the body temperature rises. When heat exhaustion is not treated it can lead to a very serious condition called heatstroke. The sick, elderly, children, infants and persons who are overweight are at risk for heat related illnesses. During the summer months, it is important to take into consideration the different ways that you can prevent heat related illnesses.
Air Conditioner
The CDC reports the single best way to prevent heat related illness is to have an air conditioner. If this is not possible, you should make sure that you have an electric fan that is available to cool you down when it is warm, however when it is over 90 degrees F outside, fans are not enough. During hot days, if you do not have an air conditioner, you should think about relocating for a few hours to somewhere there is an air conditioner like the movie theater or a shopping mall.
Drink
Drinking non-alcoholic beverages can help with keeping the body cool and replenish fluids. The CDC says that if you are exercising in hot weather, you should drink two to four 8 oz. glasses every hour. When you are exercising or working in the heat, the CDC recommends that you drink sports beverage to replace salt and minerals in your body.
Clothing
You should wear light clothing in hot weather. If you are in the sun, you can wear a brimmed hat. Sunscreen is important to wear if you are out in the sun so that you do not get a burn.
Activity, Exercise and Work
If you are exercising or doing work in the hot weather, you should pace your activities. You should take breaks and retreat somewhere where it is cooler periodically. You should go slowly and stop to take rests and drink fluids in between. When you are working outside in hot weather, you should always have someone else around to help in case something happens.
Get Help
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are dizziness, weakness, sweating, pale skin, nausea, headache and fast heartbeat according to Familydoctor.org. Retreating somewhere where it is cool, drinking non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages, resting, and applying cool compresses to the skin are measures to take if you or someone else has these symptoms. If these symptoms do not go away, you should seek emergency attention, because heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.
