Too Hot? Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness.

Woman holding a bottle of waterAt Family Danz, we offer our customers the air conditioning they need to stay cool, comfortable – and safe. Air conditioning can be important for certain groups of people during the summer months. The elderly, infants and young toddlers, and those with lung disease are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. For those groups, air conditioning in the home can be crucial. Of course, if you’re outside in the heat, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the signs of heat related illness are nothing to take lightly.

Here’s what to look for, and what you should do.

Heat Stroke: A person suffering from heat stroke will likely have a high body temperature, and their skin will be hot to the touch. They may complain of headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. They may pass out. Heat stroke can be fatal and should be treated as a medical emergency. If you or someone else has any of these symptoms, get to a cooler place and call 911 right away. Although it may seem counterintuitive, don’t give the person anything to drink. Cool cloths or a cool bath should be used to help lower the person’s temperature.

Heat Exhaustion: If someone has heat exhaustion, they will likely be sweating profusely. Unlike heat stroke, their skin will feel cold and clammy to the touch. They may be sick to their stomach and may vomit. Muscle cramps, headache and weakness are other symptoms, as is dizziness and possible fainting. A person with heat exhaustion should be moved to a cooler location, and clothing should be loosened or removed. Cool, wet cloths on the body or a cool bath can help. Encourage the person to sip water. Medical help should be sought if the person does not get better or gets worse, or if they are vomiting.

Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating, muscle pain and spasms are all symptoms of heat cramps. If you are experiencing heat cramps, stop physical activity and get to a cool place. Drink water or a sports beverage. Wait for cramping to go away completely before you begin physical activity again. If you have heart conditions, are on a reduced sodium diet or if cramps do not go away, seek medical attention.

If it’s hot and humid outside, use caution and do not overexert yourself. Make sure you wear light-colored, breathable clothing, and take frequent breaks if working outdoors. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t necessarily feel thirsty. During the hottest hours of the day, the CDC urges people to stay in an air-conditioned area. “Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness,” they offer. “Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.”

If you need air conditioning in your home, Family Danz can help. We’re pleased to provide our customers with the best quality, most efficient air conditioning systems on the market. Call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to assist you.