VISITING ANGELS GULF SHORES, AL 251-943-7525
Facebook YouTube X Instagram LinkedIn
Understanding Heat Exhaustion

Understanding Heat Exhaustion

There are many things to look forward to when summer comes around. The kids and grandkids are on break from school and have more time to spend with family. Festivals and farmer's markets pop up around town, giving you something special to do on the weekends. The weather gets warm, and days get longer, making it more enjoyable to spend time outside.  

While there are tons of positives to the season, there's also some caution, especially for older adults, that comes with warm weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people die each year due to a heat-related incident. In addition, heat-related emergencies such as heat exhaustion are preventable as long as you understand how heat exhaustion presents itself and how to keep yourself cool on a summer day.  

What is Heat Exhaustion  

When the body overheats, it can lead to heat exhaustion. It's most often caused by being exposed to high temperatures for an extended time, especially with high humidity. Your body's internal temperature typically stays around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. So in hot weather, your body cools itself by sweating. However, sometimes if temperatures are too high, or if you're doing something physical outdoors, your body has trouble naturally cooling itself, causing the body to overheat and go into heat cramps.  

Heat cramps usually cause fatigue and muscle cramps. You can treat heat cramps with rest and fluids. However, if you don't treat heat cramps right away, it can lead to heat exhaustion. Those with heat exhaustion usually experience moist skin, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak pulse, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and headache. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that causes nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart, and headache. It can also cause confusion, delirium, and seizures. If you're experiencing signs of heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.  

Treating Heat Exhaustion 

If you're experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, stop any physical activity and rest. You'll also want to move to a cooler place, such as indoors where there's central air. If you're unable to find a cool place inside, get out of direct sunlight. Also, try to hydrate your body with water or drinks high in electrolytes.  

For most people, heat exhaustion tends to pass within an hour. However, if the symptoms worsen or don't improve within an hour, contact your doctor immediately. Even if symptoms improve, it's best to check in with your doctor and make sure there are no lingering side effects. 

Tips for Avoiding Heat Exhaustion  

The great thing about heat exhaustion is it's preventable. So if you're planning on spending time outdoors this summer, consider these tips to reduce your chances of developing heat exhaustion.  

  • Keep yourself hydrated- Drinking plenty of fluids on warm days and keeping yourself hydrated will help your body sweat and allow you to maintain an average body temperature. Try to drink lots of water and stay away from drinks high in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.  
  • Stay out of direct sunlight- On warm days, try not to spend too much time in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will warm your body faster. Unfortunately, it'll also put your skin at risk for sunburn, and sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself. Any time you're outdoors, look for places that offer natural shade and wear sunscreen to keep your body safe.  
  • Don't physically excerpt yourself on hot days. When it's warm and the humidity is high, limit your physical activity outdoors. Even something as simple as walking can overheat your body when the temperature is too high. If you do want to do something physical outside, try to do it early in the morning before the sun has completely risen or at night once the sun starts to go down.  
  • Understand your risks- Older adults tend to have a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion because the body's ability to regulate heat reduces as we age. Medications can also affect the body's ability to stay hydrated. If you're on medications, talk to your doctor about potential risks. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help 

If you or an aging loved one needs extra care this summer, the team at Visiting Angels Foley, Alabama could help. Our caregivers can not only look out for seniors on hot days, but they also provide companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, and more. Our Foley office services those in the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or give us a call at 251.943.7252. 

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525