A mountain biker died from heat-related symptoms after helping rescue other dehydrated hikers when the temperature reached 106. Two women died in Southern Nevada where triple-digit temperatures scorched the region. A 71-year-old hiker died in Death Valley in the 121 degree heat.
You don’t have to be hiking to be overcome by the crazy weather we have now. Just being outside with temperatures over 100 can lead to health issues.
With extreme heat hitting the San Fernando Valley, it’s imperative to keep cool to prevent heat-related illnesses. Too much sun? Know the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as how to properly treat both circumstances.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy, experiencing muscle cramps and rapid or weak pulse, excessive sweating, cool clammy skin and any nausea or vomiting. To treat it, move to a cooler location as soon as possible, drink water and take a cool shower or use a cold compress to return your core temperature to normal.
Heat stroke symptoms occur when an individual is so overheated, they may not even sweat, but have a body temperature over 103 degrees. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Similar to heat exhaustion, they will have a rapid pulse and throbbing headache, but to the point they may lose consciousness. To treat heat stroke, get emergency help as soon as possible by calling 9-1-1, getting the individual to a cooler area and loosening any restrictive clothing or layers. Heat stroke is so severe, it can cause death or permanent disability if not treated properly and promptly.
While heat exhaustion and stroke may show similar symptoms, the main difference is heat exhaustion is typically caused by dehydration and the cardiovascular system struggling to pump blood, heatstroke is caused when the body temperature becomes so high, it begins overheating their tissues and organs.
When temperatures rise, stay out of the sun as much as possible and keep yourself well hydrated to replace any fluids you may lose sweating. Heat can quickly become overwhelming, so plan activities and outings outside of peak sun hours and seek cool shade or air conditioning whenever possible.
Heat-related illnesses are no joke!
