Nurse Notes

Heat Exhaustion

The summer sun in moderation is healthy but can become dangerous if the body gets too warm. A rise in body heat can occur if you participate in an excessive amount of exercise without replacing the body's fluid. To combat the risk of heat stress or stroke, when exercising or working in a hot environment you must drink 2 - 4 glasses of water each hour to replace the fluids lost through sweating.
To prevent heat stress it is important to know risk factors and tips for prevention. High risk individuals are infants, toddlers, and the elderly as they are not able to control their body's heat as well as adults. Be observant. Decrease the possibility of heat illness by dressing in cool clothing and drinking planty of fluids without caffeine. Ask your doctor about side effects of your medication, stay in cool places when it is hot and humid, and find shade when working or playing in the heat.

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