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When the weather is hot or you are physically heating up through exercise or other strenuous activity, you want to be careful and protect yourself from potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps.

Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Clinton Carter have discussed ways to avoid heat-relatedillnesses in past years, including staying well hydrated.

Watch Dr. Carter


Heat stroke is the most severe of the heat-relatedillnesses and can be fatal. When the body's cooling mechanisms are unable to keep up. Symptoms include:

What you should do if someone is experiencing what appearsto be heat stroke:

Heat exhaustion is caused when a person loses an excessive amount of salt and water. If heat exhaustion is not controlled, it can progress to heat stroke so it is important to take the necessary steps to cool down and rehydrate.

Symptomsof heat exhaustion:

What you should do if youor someone you are withis experiencing what appearsto be heatexhaustion:

Heat cramps can occur when excessive sweating reduces salt levels in the body and causes muscle spasms, usually in the leg or abdominal muscles.

Symptoms of heat cramps:

What you should do if you experience heat cramps:

We want you to have an enjoyable summer while reducing yourrisk of the above illnesses. Always remember to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day if you can and protect yourself with sunscreen, loose clothing, and hats.