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When you fail to take steps to keep your cool, a hot day can become a dangerous one.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, can lead to sickness or even death if they’re not addressed.
When you’re exercising or working outdoors on hot days, take these steps to protect yourself:
Avoid heavy exertion in the heat. Try not to work in areas where you’re exposed to the sun. Adjust your schedule so you’re doing the heaviest work during the coolest parts of the day.
Wear clothing that is light-colored, breathable, and loose-fitting. Cotton is a good fabric choice. Leave non-breathable synthetic clothing in the closet. If you need to wear protective clothing for your job, be aware that it could increase your risk for heat-related illnesses.
Take more breaks. Rest in a shaded area or air-conditioned building.
Drink lots of water. When working in the heat, drink a cup of water every 20 minutes. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.
Stop all activity if you don’t feel well. Get to a cool place if you feel faint or weak.
Illness | Signs | Action |
Heat cramps | Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs | Stop all activity Sit in a cool place Drink water or a sports beverage Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after cramps subside Seek medical attention if you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, or if the cramps do not subside within one hour |
Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating Fast, weak pulse Cold, pale, clammy skin Tiredness, weakness Muscle cramps Nausea, vomiting Dizziness Headache Fainting | Rest in a cool area Drink water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath |
Heat stroke | High body temperature Confusion Hot, dry, or damp skin Fast, strong pulse Dizziness, nausea Throbbing headache Loss of consciousness | Ask for medical help Get the person to a cool, shaded area Take off excess clothing Apply cool water to the body |
When you fail to take steps to keep your cool, a hot day can become a dangerous one.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, can lead to sickness or even death if they’re not addressed.
When you’re exercising or working outdoors on hot days, take these steps to protect yourself:
Avoid heavy exertion in the heat. Try not to work in areas where you’re exposed to the sun. Adjust your schedule so you’re doing the heaviest work during the coolest parts of the day.
Wear clothing that is light-colored, breathable, and loose-fitting. Cotton is a good fabric choice. Leave non-breathable synthetic clothing in the closet. If you need to wear protective clothing for your job, be aware that it could increase your risk for heat-related illnesses.
Take more breaks. Rest in a shaded area or air-conditioned building.
Drink lots of water. When working in the heat, drink a cup of water every 20 minutes. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.
Stop all activity if you don’t feel well. Get to a cool place if you feel faint or weak.
Illness | Signs | Action |
Heat cramps | Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs | Stop all activity Sit in a cool place Drink water or a sports beverage Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after cramps subside Seek medical attention if you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, or if the cramps do not subside within one hour |
Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating Fast, weak pulse Cold, pale, clammy skin Tiredness, weakness Muscle cramps Nausea, vomiting Dizziness Headache Fainting | Rest in a cool area Drink water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath |
Heat stroke | High body temperature Confusion Hot, dry, or damp skin Fast, strong pulse Dizziness, nausea Throbbing headache Loss of consciousness | Ask for medical help Get the person to a cool, shaded area Take off excess clothing Apply cool water to the body |