08/20/2025
☀It’s HOT outside! ☀
High summer heat can put serious stress on the body.
When the body overheats and cannot cool itself effectively (mainly through sweating and circulation), it can lead to dehydration, organ strain, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions.
Dangers of High Heat:
💧Dehydration: Excessive fluid loss through sweating can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and organ stress.
🦵Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms caused by electrolyte imbalance.
😓Heat exhaustion: A moderate but dangerous condition where the body overheats.
😵💫Heat stroke: A medical emergency where body temperature rises dangerously high and organs begin to fail.
Exacerbation of chronic illnesses: People with heart, lung, or kidney disease are at greater risk.
👶👵Vulnerability in certain groups: Infants, older adults, outdoor workers, and athletes are especially at risk.
❗Signs of Heat Exhaustion (body struggling to cool down)
Heavy sweating
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Rapid, weak pulse
Muscle cramps
Headache
🚨Action: Move to a cool place, rest, sip water or electrolyte drinks, loosen clothing, and use cool cloths or fans. Seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve within an hour.
⚠Signs of Heat Stroke (life-threatening emergency)
Very high body temperature (104°F / 40°C or higher)
Hot, flushed, dry skin (sweating may stop)
Rapid, strong pulse
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, or altered mental state
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
🚨Action: Call 911 immediately. While waiting for help: move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and try to lower their body temperature with cool cloths, ice packs to armpits/groin/neck, or a cool bath. Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or not alert.