The hot, steamy days of summer are fun-filled days.
They are also days of heat exhaustionn, a serious medical condition.
The elderly, infants, and young children are more at risk for heat exhaustion and it can come on quickly.
What causes heat exhaustion? Mayo Clinic answers this question in "Heat Exhaustion," an article published on mayoclinic.
com.
The human body cools itself by sweating, the article explains, and "when you exercise strenuously or overexert in hot, humid weather, your body is less able to cool itself efficiently.
" So the body sweats more in an attempt to regulate a normal temperature of 98.
6 degrees.
This excess sweating causes fluid loss.
Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion will help you to spot it quickly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the symptoms are: * sweating profusely * pale, moist skin * muscle and stomach cramps * feeling tired and weak * dizziness * headache * nausea and/or vomiting * feeling faint or fainting * pulse rate that is fast and weak * shallow, fast breathing While young children have these same symptoms, KidsHealth.
org says they have two others -- irritability and thirst -- and the organization tells parents to "think prevention.
" Because infants, young children and the elderly are unable to accommodate to temperature changes quickly, they should be monitored carefully.
According to the U.
S.
Dept.
of Labor, workers are also affected by heat exhaustion.
"Protecting Workers in Hot Environments," a fact sheet on its site, gives tips for avoiding it.
Workers should shield themselves from the heat, use cooling fans, stay hydrated, alternate work and rest periods, and acclimate to heat slowly.
Athletes also need to guard against heat exhaustion.
The National Athletic Association has posted tips for athletes on nata.
org.
Even if you are not a professional athlete you may benefit from two important tips, drinking water or sports drinks, and watching for darker urine, "a quick indicator of dehydration.
" Don't let the heat get you down.
You may prevent heat exhaustion by taking these 10 steps.
1.
Wear loose clothing.
2.
Shield your face with a hat or cap.
3.
Drink water beforehand.
4.
Carry water with you.
5.
Cool off with a shower or sponge bath.
6.
Stay inside during peak heat periods.
7.
Avoid strenuous activities.
8.
Avoid alcohol.
9.
Know the side effects of your prescription drugs.
10.
Learning first aid for heat exhaustion.
"Heat Exhaustion First Aid," an article on the Mayo Clinic site, says a person with heat exhaustion should be moved into the shade or an air conditioned building.
Lay the person down and elevate legs slightly.
Loosen the person's clothing.
Give the person a cool drink of water, but not an ice-cold drink, which can cause stomach cramps.
Fan the person or sponge with cool water.
Heat exhaustion, if unchecked, can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly.
Call 911 immediately if the person is confused, faints, or has a seizure.
Summer is a fun-filled time and you can keep it that way by guarding against heat exhaustion.
Copyright 2008 by Harriet Hodgson