The Real Risk of Heat Illness: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
he sun is fun, and the water is warm. The heat is a HOT topic right now–but heat illness? That’s not so fun, and it can even be dangerous.
As the temps have been climbing, many of our clients have told us they’re experiencing heat illness symptoms. Heat illness is real–and it can happen faster than you might realize.
To help you know what signs to watch for, we asked Rhonda, our FNP-C, about the most common symptoms, along with a few prevention tips. Here’s what she had to say:
Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms
- Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat OR hot, red, dry skin
- Body temperature of 103 or higher
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse OR fast, strong pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea/vomiting
- Confusion
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Heat Exhaustion or a Heat Stroke
- Stop all activity, and rest immediately.
- Move to a cooler place.
- Drink cool water or an electrolyte drink.
How to Prevent Heat Illness
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows sweat to evaporate.
- Stay hydrated.
- Do not drink alcohol when exposed to hot weather/conditions.
- Protect your skin against sunburns.
- Find out if your medications make you susceptible to heat intolerance.
- Never leave anyone in a parked car.
- Take it easy during the hottest time of the day.
Other Heat-Related Issues to Be Aware Of
Sunburn: Red, painful, warm skin–with or without blisters
- Wear sun-protective clothing and SPF. Reapply often.
- Take a cool bath, and/or apply cool washcloths.
- Consider taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as Advil.
- Protect burned areas from further sun exposure until healed.
Heat cramps: Muscle pain or spasms
- Stop all physical activity.
- Drink water or a sports/electrolyte drink.
- Don’t resume physical activity until the cramps stop.
- Get medical help if you’re on a low-sodium diet or have heart problems.
- Get medical help if the cramps don’t go away within an hour.
How Sculpt Tri-Cities Can Help
The heat might not be your friend right now, but Sculpt Tri-Cities is here to help. We have Cryotherapy, CryoFacials, and Hydration Infusions for mild symptom relief. In our experience, the best way to relieve symptoms is to keep them from happening. That means one thing: prevention is key.
We are currently running specials for Hydration Infusions (DON’T DEHYDRATE–PREHYDRATE!). If you have plans to spend time outside this weekend, there’s no better time to give your body some much-needed hydration. Give us a call at (509) 579-0089, or book an IV online today. (Trust us: an ER visit is WAY more costly!)
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Meet Our Functional Nurse Practitioner
Rhonda Bonilla is a nationally certified Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of combined experience in dermatology, functional wellness, immunology, trauma, and primary care.
If you’re feeling unheard and frustrated after countless traditional doctor visits, Rhonda is here to help. She’ll help you look at your body, its hormones, and the equilibrium across multiple factors. Rhonda has helped diverse clients struggling with:
- Weight gain
- Skin changes
- Poor sleep & fatigue
- Slow metabolism
- Anxiety & brain fog
- Low sex drive
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- Email: support@sculptwellness.com
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