Fit for You: Prevention, treatment of heat exhaustion
Fit for You: Prevention, treatment of heat exhaustion

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Published: August 5, 2008

Prevention, treatment of heat exhaustion

If you are working, exercising or are outside for long periods this summer, your body can overheat and result in heat exhaustion. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to a more serious or fatal condition called heat stroke.

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By knowing symptoms and taking the necessary actions, you can prevent this condition.

• Prevention: Stay in a cool or air-conditioned place as much as possible, drink more fluids than normal, avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, avoid peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), take cool baths, and wear light and loose-fitting clothing.

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, fatigue, headache, pale and clammy skin, thirst, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.

• Who's most at risk? Those who are dehydrated, the elderly, small children, and those who are sick, obese, pregnant or taking medicine that interferes with the body's ability to cool itself.

• Treatment: Move to a cool place indoors or in the shade and lie down, loosen clothing, drink fluids such as cool or cold water (add ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water) or a sports drink such as Gatorade, have salty foods such as saltine crackers. Massaging and stretching cramped muscles may help.

This information is provided by St. Anthony Hospital. For more information, call Saints physician referral, 231-8866.