There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it– Sacramento summers are HOT! And the extreme temperatures in the summer can be hazardous to your health. When your body temperature gets very high, it can damage your brain and other vital organs. Certain health conditions, including advanced age, pregnancy, obesity, heart disease and other chronic conditions, can make it harder for your body to stay cool in hot weather.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. It’s important to take precautions for yourself and your loved ones by monitoring weather forecasts, scheduling outdoor activities carefully, staying hydrated, and limiting time in the heat. If you or people you are with are exposed to prolonged heat, watch for the signs of these three heat-related illnesses and be ready to help:
Heat Cramps
Heat cramp symptoms include painful muscle spasms that usually occur in the calves, arms, stomach, or back.
If you suspect you may have heat cramps make sure to rest, drink water or an electrolyte sports drink and avoid strenuous activity for several hours.
Heat Exhaustion
Watch out for the following signs of heat exhaustion:
- Pale or clammy skin and excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness or weakness
- Throbbing headache
- Blurred vision
If you suspect you may have heat exhaustion, make sure to cool down and rest immediately, drink water or an electrolyte sports drink and put cool, wet cloths on your body. If your symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse, seek medical attention.
Heat Stroke
Watch out for these signs of heat stroke:
- Throbbing headache
- Fast breathing
- Lack of sweating
- Hot, dry or red skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or Incoherent
- Loss of Consciousness
If you suspect you or someone around you may have heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Act quickly to get the person into a cooler space and use ice packs or wet towels on their head or neck to cool off.
High temperatures can cause serious health problems. During a heat wave, check on your friends and family and have someone do the same for you. If you know anyone who is elderly, pregnant or is in the high-risk group for heat-related illnesses, check on them twice a day during any extreme heat waves.
