Hot hot heat: signs of too much sun

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It seems like summer might finally be here! Make sure you are getting enough water and wearing sun screen.  Just in case, here are the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• raised internal temperature
• cool, clammy skin
• muscle cramps
• headache
• nausea
• fatigue, dizziness
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• excessive sweating’

Heat exhaustion is able to be treated at home – but make sure to rehydrate (use sports drinks or coconut water, which both contain electrolytes, but water is fine if it that is all the is available), get out of the sun and into a cool space, and immerse in cool water if possible.

And here are the symptoms of heat stroke:

• possible loss of consciousness
• rapid, shallow breathing
• hot, red, or dry skin (sunburn)
• rapid pulse, shallow breathing
• headache, confusion, strange behaviour
• high core temperature
• stopped sweating

Heat stroke is an emergency, and you should go to or take anyone with symptoms to the hospital for treatment.  If in doubt, call the nurses’ hotline (BC – 1-866-215-4700)

More info: http://chealth.canoe.com/condition/getcondition/Heat-Stroke
Have you ever had heat exhaustion or heat stroke?