The Heat is On: Rising Temperatures Bring Health Risks

As the summer heatwave continues to grip many parts of the world, heat-related illnesses are on the rise. From dehydration and heat exhaustion to more serious conditions like heatstroke, health officials are warning people to take precautions to avoid falling ill in the hot weather.

In some areas, temperatures have reached record highs, making it dangerous for people to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and headache, while heatstroke can cause confusion, seizures, and even coma. In extreme cases, heatstroke can be fatal. Heat exhaustion happens when the body doesn’t sweat enough and overheats. A person may be at higher risk if they have certain underlying conditions like liver or kidney conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure or overweight.

There are a lot of things you can do to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. When temperatures climb, remember to:

• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing too much clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

• Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself. Protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps your body sweat and keep a normal body temperature.

• Be careful with certain medicines. Watch for heat-related problems if you take medicines that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat.

In addition, it's important to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.

As temperatures continue to rise, it's crucial that people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.