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(Continued from page 3)
• Weakness or fatigue • Headache, nausea, and/or dizziness • Fast weak pulse and fast shallow breathing • Heat cramps are severe cramping of muscles because of dehydration usually while exercising in the heat. • Heat rash is skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. • • What to do to prevent heat related injuries: • Drink lots of fluids especially water. Keep cold water with you whenever you are outside. Talk to your doctor about how much to drink if you must limit liquids. • Be sure to replace salt either by eating some salty things or drinking some (not all) of your liquids as sports drinks. Talk to your doctor if you must limit salt. • Wear light weight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing. • Limit outside activities to morning before noon and evening after 6 pm. Go at a slower pace and monitor yourself for signs of heat problems (see above). STOP if you begin to develop difficulties and move to an air conditioned or shaded area. • Stay indoors in air conditioning. If you don't have air conditioning, use a fan with the windows open and try to spend some time during the day in air conditioning such as at the library, mall, or a friend's house that has air conditioning. • Never take a cool shower immediately after becoming overheated. Also avoid using the oven or stove especially during the hottest parts of the day. • If working or exercising outside, work with another person and monitor each other for signs of heat problems. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible. • Monitor people that are at high risk. Visit the people who are elderly or those that live alone and are at risk and watch them closely for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. • • What not to do in the extreme heat: • Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle (closed or open) for any amount of time in hot weather. • Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. Eat more frequent, smaller meals. • Don't drink a lot of fluids with caffeine or sugar in them as they can increase water loss. Don't drink alcohol in hot weather as it also can increase water loss. • • What to do if you see any of the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke: • Respond quickly to heat related symptoms. Move the person to a cooler area. If possible move indoors into air conditioning, if not then move into the shade.
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