Get your site now Heat Illness Athletes are especially prone to heat illness in the months of July and August. Heat illness is a life threatening, medical emergency that can be prevented if you follow some basic guidelines, and are aware of its signs and symptoms. There are three major types of heat illness, each with specific symptoms and treatments. Heat cramps are a type of heat injury that usually occurs after strenuous exercise or an outdoor activity. Symptoms of heat cramps are severe pain and cramps in the legs and abdomen, faintness or dizziness, weakness, and profuse sweating.
Heat exhaustion happens when one is exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, pale and moist skin, weak pulse, and disorientation. Heat stroke , unlike heat exhaustion, strikes suddenly and with little warning. When the body s cooling system fails, the body s temperature rises quickly. Signs of heat stroke include very high body temperature, hot, dry skin, lack of sweating, fast pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Preventing Heat Illness Know that once you are thirsty you are already dehydrated.