If you have to work or be outside during the heat of the day, take measures to protect yourself from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Long exposure to high heat can result in heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a serious medical condition, and signs include profuse sweating, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If left unchecked, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a very serious, life-threatening condition in which the body’s cooling system fails. Symptoms of heat stroke include very high body temperature, failure to sweat, and red, dry skin. Prolonged heat stress can be fatal to anyone. However, people over 60 suffer the highest risk of death. To avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take steps necessary to keep cool, by going inside air-conditioned buildings, and remember to drink two to five times more than the usual amounts of water.
