People working or playing outside Monday could be at risk for heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke is the most extreme.
During a heat stroke, health officials say, your internal thermostat stops working. In other words, your body can no longer cool itself down.
The Centers for Disease Control warns though that heat stroke is not the only thing you need to watch out for in the heat. You could also get heat exhaustion or heat cramps.
The CDC offers tips on spotting the symptoms of and treating heat-related illnesses.
Look Out for Other Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat exhaustion is a milder version of heat stroke but if left untreated can lead to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion happens after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluids.
Symptoms include:
Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Heat cramps typically affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. The sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture leading to cramps. The cramps are muscle pains or spasms - usually in the stomach, arms or legs.
What to do:
Stop activity and go to a cool place
Drink liquids
Wait a few hours before going back to any strenuous activity
Go to a doctor if the cramps don't get better in one hour
For more on the prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses, visit the
CDC Web site.
