Time to cool off - how to prevent heat exhaustion

  • Published
  • By Erin Lewis
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan., --  As temperatures rise, it is important to take the proper precautions to ensure a safe and healthy summer. Heat exhaustion is a form of a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and an insufficient amount of fluid intake. People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overworked. The body typically cools itself by sweating, but sometimes that isn't enough. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment according to the Center for Disease Control.

Prevent heat exhaustion
· Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages (two to four glasses an hour).
· Rest.
· Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
· Seek an air-conditioned environment.
· Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

For more information on heat exhaustion and a complete list visit www.cdc.gov.