As summer heats up, spending time outside becomes a favorite way to enjoy the season\u2014but extreme heat can also pose serious risks to your health. Understanding how to protect yourself and others from heat-related illness is key to staying safe during hot days.<\/p>\n
Why Heat Can Be Dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n Your body naturally cools itself through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. But when it’s very hot or humid, this system can get overwhelmed. This can lead to a range of heat-related problems, starting with muscle cramps or fatigue and escalating to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.<\/p>\n \u201cHeat-related illnesses can come on quickly, especially for older adults, kids, or people with chronic health conditions,\u201d says Elizabeth Orr, MD<\/a>, Family Medicine<\/a> provider at CCM Health. \u201cThe best thing you can do is stay ahead of the heat\u2014drink water often, rest in cool places, and pay attention to how your body feels.\u201d<\/p>\n Warning Signs to Watch For<\/strong><\/p>\n Heat Exhaustion:<\/strong> If someone has these symptoms:<\/p>\n Heat Stroke:<\/strong> Until help arrives:<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Most at Risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n Heat affects everyone, but especially:<\/p>\n Indoor jobs near ovens or in poorly ventilated areas can also create heat risk.<\/p>\n Easy Ways to Stay Safe<\/strong><\/p>\n If you’re starting outdoor activities or workouts, give your body time to adjust. It can take up to two weeks to fully acclimate to the heat.<\/p>\n Be a Good Neighbor<\/strong><\/p>\n Check in on friends, neighbors, and loved ones\u2014especially those who are older or live alone. Help them stay cool, offer a ride to a cooling center, or invite them into your air-conditioned home if possible.<\/p>\n *Information adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/a> and the National Safety Council<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As summer heats up, spending time outside becomes a favorite way to enjoy the season\u2014but extreme heat can also pose serious risks to your health. Understanding how to protect yourself and others from heat-related illness is key to staying safe during hot days. Why Heat…","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":8519,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":0,"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[116,117,108,118,115,114],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nOccurs when the body loses too much water and salt from sweating. Symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n
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\nA life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately if you notice:<\/p>\n\n
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