Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses: Recognizing the Symptoms of Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion
Introduction Summers are typically enjoyable for everyone, but this year has been particularly challenging. The extreme heat has left us feeling drained and sweaty. While it's true that sweating is a natural way to cool down, too much of it can have negative effects. Excessive sweating means you've lost a significant amount of essential salts, putting you at risk for cramps or even heat-induced exhaustion. What are heat cramps, and why should I be concerned? Heat cramps are a bit of a mystery—we're not entirely sure why they occur. It’s believed they result from dehydration and the loss of vital electrolytes. Research in controlled factory settings shows that workers who drank sodium-rich beverages had better performance and fewer cramps. Key features of heat cramps include: They are painfully annoying. They are brief but can be intense, leaving you writhing in pain if severe. They occur in short intervals, lasting only a few seconds. They usually resolve on their own. (Yay...