According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat events, or heat waves, are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. When temperatures rise in the summer, extremely hot weather can cause sickness or even death.
Heat stress is heat-related illness caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly.
The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Extremely hot weather can make you sick.
Stay cool and hydrated to protect yourself.
Prevent Heat-related Illness
Heat-related illnesses or death are preventable if you follow a few simple steps.
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.
Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.
Learn more from the CDC
