Heat cramps - muscles cramps of the abdomen, legs, or arms. Heat exhaustion - headache, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin. Heat stroke - hot, dry skin, cessation of sweating, rapid pulse, mental confusion, unconsciousness. To prevent heat injuries while exercising, trainers must adjust the intensity to fit the temperature and humidity. They must ensure that soldiers drink enough water before and during the exercise session.
Body weight is a good gauge of hydration.
If rapid weight loss occurs, dehydration should be suspected. Plain water is the best replacement fluid to use. Highly concentrated liquids such as soft drinks and those with high sugar content may hurt the soldier's performance because they slow the absorption of water from the stomach. Acclimatization to Hot, Humid Environments Adapting to differing environmental conditions is called acclimatization. Soldiers who are newly introduced to a hot, humid climate and are moderately active in it can acclimatize in 8 to 14 days.