Heat illnesses are avoidable. With knowledge, preparation, fluid replacement and prompt emergency care, there is no need for heat illness to affect people working in warm weather.
Follow these guidelines: Keep as cool as possible, avoid dehydration (drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes), wear appropriate clothing, rest frequently, avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Heat-related illnesses
Heat syncope, in which a person becomes dizzy or faints after exposure to high temperatures.
What to do: Lie down in a cool place; if not nauseated, drink water, check for injuries (if victim fell); seek medical attention if there is not a full recovery.
Heat edema causes the feet or ankles to swell from heat exposure. It is more common in women not acclimated to a hot climate. It is related to salt and water retention and tends to disappear after acclimation.
What to do: Wear support stockings; elevate legs.
Heat rash is an itchy rash that develops because of unevaporated moisture on skin wet from sweating.
What to do: Dry and cool the skin.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.