Preparing for the Heat: Recognize the signs of heat-related health problems.

July is here and it’s hot, hot, hot! It’s important to prepare for the heat and recognize the signs of heat-related health problems. If ignored, they can become very painful, and quite serious. The most common heat-related condition is muscle cramps. These heat cramps are muscular spasms caused by a lack of water and salt. When you are exercising or working outside during the summer, your body loses these important elements. The result can be heat cramps.

The best protection against heat cramps is to keep your body hydrated. This means drinking lots of water while working or exercising outdoors. Also, limit the amount of time you exercise or work outdoors. This will reduce the amount of fluids your body loses, and help keep you cool. When the high temperatures hit, it is often a very good idea to take a couple of weeks and reduce your exercise schedule until your body is fully acclimated to the heat. Then you can gradually return to your normal routine.

Another heat-related condition is heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion, like heat cramps, results from a loss of fluids in the body. However, it is a much more serious condition, and can lead to heat stroke – a potentially fatal condition. It is important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and to treat it immediately.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:
• Cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin
• Increased sweating and tiredness
• Headaches
• Fainting, nausea, or vomiting
• Fast, shallow breath, dizziness
• Muscle cramps, weakness
• A weak, rapid pulse

To treat heat exhaustion, get the person to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Give the person half a glass of water every 15 minutes. Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol in them. Loosen or remove tight fitting clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Summer is a time of fun and adventure. But be prepared for the heat, and be alert to the signs of heat-related conditions. Protect yourself and your family while enjoying your summer.

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street
2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, Rutland, Charlton, Barre, Webster, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, Dudley, Princeton and surrounding towns.