HEAT EXHAUSTION the precursor to Heat Stroke, will occur when you are not drinking enough water to replace the body fluids that are being lost.  Heat Exhaustion generally develops when you are either exercising or working in hot weather.  Even trained athletes can suffer from Heat Exhaustion, as can animals.

The symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include a sudden feeling of fatigue and weakness, dizziness, headache,  and nausea.  The person will have a cool moist skin and the face will appear pale and flushed.

HEAT STROKE is a more serious problem and needs immediate medical attention.  When Heat Stroke occurs the body has become unable to regulate its own temperature.  Sweating stops and the skin will be hot, dry, and red.  The body temperature continues to rise and may go higher that 104 degrees.  At this point confusion and delirium follow.  The victim may become unconscious.  Don’t delay.  Seek medical attention immediately.  Both animals and humans of all ages can suffer a Heat Stroke.

HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HENCE HEAT STROKE can be prevented by drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water per day, more if you are exercising or playing  or if the weather is unusually hot.

Avoid overly strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, that is ten in the morning to four in the afternoon.  Wear light. loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat.

Since your body needs liquid long before you feel thirsty, it is important for those that are active in extreme heat, to have a cup or so of water before becoming active and continue having about the save amount at least every half hour throughout the duration of activity.

If you feel unwell in any way, stop what you are doing, retire to a cooler shaded area and sip cool water.  If you return to your former activity, do so gradually.  If the unwell feeling returns, stop activity altogether and seek medical attention.

If you are elderly, or in poor health, you need to be even more diligent with your water consumption.  If you are taking diuretics (water pills), see your doctor to see if your dose should be adjusted during hot weather.

Never leave children or pets in hot cars.  Death can occur.

If you are with someone that you think is experiencing Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke seek medical attention immediately, and, if they have a temperature over 100, try to lower their body temperature as quickly as possible.

1.  Move them to a cool shaded area.

2.  Remove any unnecessary clothing.

3.  Apply cool (not cold) water to the whole body.

4.  Apply ice packs to the armpits, neck, and groin.

5.  Fan the person and talk to them calmly and reassuringly.

6.  Take care not to overcool the body.  If the temperature lowers to about 98.8, cease cooling.

NEVER immerse a person fully in ice water and,

NEVER give Aspirin or acetaminophen to a suspected Heat Stroke victim to reduce temperature.

IF BREATHING STOPS, START RESCUE BREATHING IMMEDIATELY.

Never hesitate to call for help if you suspect it may be needed.  You could be saving a life.