How to Dodge a Heat Stroke During a Heat Wave

You may think of your A/C system as just a way to stay comfortable during the muggy months of summer, but did you know it’s also good for your health? Regulating the temperature of your environment can prevent dangerous heat-related medical conditions leading to heat stroke. It’s a pretty big deal! Summer is perfect for spending time with your family at the lake, sports events, and outdoor concerts and picnics, but it’s important to be aware of the effects of the sun’s heat and stay safe when outside.

What’s going on?
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are a series of heat-related illnesses that can worsen and turn into a serious medical emergency if ignored...and they can really sneak up on you! Heat cramps happen when the major muscles of the body (thighs, arms, and core) can’t handle the heat and start to feel sore or even spasm. This is usually one of the first signs that your body is overheated.

Heat cramps can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion, which is the next and more serious phase of heat stroke. This is when extreme heat overwhelms the body’s ability to cool itself. The body normally uses sweat as a sort of natural A/C system, but this requires fluid from the body. And if the body is dehydrated, it can’t produce sweat. Or, if the temperature of the body continues to rise, sweat may not be enough.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can be pretty scary—excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, seizure, fainting, confusion, and those muscle cramps we talked about earlier. These symptoms can worsen into heat stroke, which is when your body’s natural “A/C system” fails, and drastically high body temperatures lead to hypothermia—the body actually ceases sweating, and the victim can experience difficulty breathing and a rapid pulse. Although most people can easily treat and eventually walk away from heat cramps or exhaustion just fine, the effects of heat stroke can be fatal. Yikes.

What can be done?
If you ever recognize these symptoms, it’s crucial to first cool the victim by going inside to an air-conditioned place, or by applying wet towels, water, or ice to the body. Then hydrate by drinking water. If symptoms continue or worsen, seek professional medical attention immediately.

Just like your home’s A/C system needs regular tune-ups, your body’s cooling system needs maintenance too! Prevent heat stroke by avoiding continuous exposure to hot and humid weather, especially during physical activities such as exercise or yard work. Here’s what else you can do:

• Be sure you are drinking plenty of water and spending time in shaded areas with good air circulation.
• Pay particular attention to wear clothing light in color and fabric (worn loosely—consider a good hat).
• Be careful if you are taking any medications that increase your sensitivity to the sun.

If it’s too hot or humid, particularly in the middle of the day, stay indoors. It’s important to be safe in this summer heat! You can ensure that your family has reliable access to cool air conditioning by scheduling regular maintenance for your home’s A/C system.