What Heat Can Do to Your Body

Heat-related illnesses

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can't cool itself down effectively. This can happen when the temperature is high, the humidity is high, or the body is working hard.

Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe. The most common heat-related illnesses are:

* Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that can occur in the legs, arms, abdomen, or back.

* Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition that can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heart rate.

* Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, seizures, and a loss of consciousness.

How to prevent heat-related illnesses

There are a number of things you can do to prevent heat-related illnesses, including:

* Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise or any other activity that causes you to sweat.

* Wear loose, lightweight clothing. This will help your body to stay cool.

* Take breaks in the shade. If you're working or exercising outdoors, take breaks in the shade to cool down.

* Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather. If you have to do strenuous activity in hot weather, take breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

* Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness. If you experience any of the symptoms of heat-related illness, stop what you're doing and cool down.

If you think someone is experiencing heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.