Everyone loves the summertime--the long daylight hours, the camping, hiking, swimming, picnics, and the sunshine. There is a danger lurking during the summer that most people don't think about--heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion results from a loss of body water and salts (often called dehydration) due to overexposure to hot conditions. How do you know when someone is suffering from heat exhaustion? Symptoms include:
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, get them into a cool area--inside the house or even in the shade, give them plenty of cool liquids to drink, and let them rest. If needed, get medical help.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that develops when heat exhaustion is not treated. Although symptoms include those found with heat exhaustion, they can also include:
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat stroke, get medical help immediately. If the person has not been in an accident or a fall, move the person into a cooler area while waiting for help to arrive. If you can, place ice packs around the neck, underarms and groin areas.
There are ways to avoid the dangers of the hot summer sun:
Heat related illnesses can be avoided while enjoying the beautiful summer weather and all Mother Nature has to offer us during this time of year.
The Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) private,
not-for-profit charitable organization funded under the Older Americans Act
and the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Page was last updated on 6/29/2004.
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