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Williamsport, MD 21795
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  Preventing Heat Illnesses

 


Dr. Tania Crussiah from Williamsport Family Practice discusses heat illnesses.

Summer is a time for outdoor fun, like picnics, trips to the park, and softball games. But in this age of climate control, people are used to air conditioning and can be surprisingly vulnerable to summer’s heat.

High temperatures, or even a sudden jump in temperature, can bring on a heat illness like exhaustion or heat stroke. Men and women who are elderly, who have medical conditions affecting their bodies’ ability to respond to heat, or who are taking certain medications are especially prone to becoming overheated.

So be sure to take the heat seriously, and watch out for these symptoms:

  • strong thirst
  • heavy sweating
  • headache
  • pale skin
  • feeling of fatigue or weakness
  • dizziness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fainting
  • muscle cramps

These symptoms indicate that the person should find some air conditioning, rest, and drink a cool, non-alcoholic beverage. If symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour, it’s time to seek medical attention.

Call 911 if symptoms are severe or if the victim has high blood pressure or heart problems.

 

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Washington County Health System
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