This month we are focusing on information related to safety and in particular, safety in the summer season such as when spending time in or around the water and with poison ivy and other plants.
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-related illnesses in past years, including staying well hydrated.
Watch Dr. Carter's heat-related illnesses video.
Heat stroke is the most severe of the heat-related illnesses 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 appears to 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.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
What you should do if you or someone you are with is experiencing what appears to be heat exhaustion:
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 your risk 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.