Beat the heat

NICOLE NORRIS |The Greenville Standard

 During the hot and humid summer months, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged.

When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and individuals may experience a heat related illness.

Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and a heat stroke?

During heat exhaustion individuals may become faint or dizzy, experience excessive sweating, become nauseated or experience vomiting, the pulse will become rapid and weak, muscle cramps ensue and skin will become pale, cool and clammy.

When experiencing these symptoms get to a cooler, air conditioned place, drink water and take a cool shower or use cold compresses.

During a heat stroke individuals will experience a throbbing headache, body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse, no sweating and may lose consciousness.

If you or someone you know experience these symptoms immediately call 911 and take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives.