Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke

Outdoor temperatures topping 100 degrees are in store today and for the next couple of days in the Ozarks. This sets the stage for serious heat-related illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Of these three, heat stroke is the most serious running the risk of hospitalization and death. Symptoms of heat stroke are a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher…hot, red, dry, or damp skin…fast, strong pulse…headache…dizziness…nausea…confusion…and even passing out.
Don’t try to treat these symptoms yourself, call 9-1-1 right away because heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the heat stroke victim to a cooler place. Help to lower the person’s temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath. Do not get the person anything to drink. The less serious condition of heat exhaustion still requires immediate remedial treatment. Symptoms include heavy sweating…cold, pale, and clammy skin…fast, weak pulse…nausea or vomiting..muscle cramps…tiredness or weakness…dizziness…headache….and fainting. Move that person suffering from heat exhaustion to a cool place…loosen your clothes…put cool, wet clothes on your body or take a cool bath…and sip water. Get medical help right away if you’re throwing up, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last longer than an hour.
When outdoors for any extended period today, be sure to stay well hydrated drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages or those containing caffeine. Avoid strenuous physical activity today unless you take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool place to cool down. Be sure to check on the well-being of friends and neighbors, especially those who are homebound, those with heart or circulatory problems, and people whose homes are not air-conditioned.