A sudden heat wave has hit Wisconsin. Temperatures usually seen in late July have hit in June. This can be a dangerous situation. Many people are out working in their yards and gardens, trying to get them ready for summer. They are working hard in summer heat which their bodies are unprepared for. The result can be dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
It is important that when you are working in the heat that you stay well hydrated and pace your effort. If you start seeing signs of heat stress, stop and rest in the shade or in an air conditioned building. Some of the signs that may indicate that your body is stressed by the heat are;
- excessive sweating or sudden lack of sweat
- light headed, dizzy
- lack of urination despite drinking a lot, or very dark scant urination
- stomach or muscle cramps
- skin red and a feeling of heat in the head
Check out the links on heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and know how recognize these dangerous conditions. The best treatment is prevention. Be careful when working hard in the heat, especially if you are not used to the conditions
Chinese herbal medicine has a quick cure for excess heat in the body. The treatment is fresh watermelon. Watermelon will cool the body down more effectively than cold water which will often skock the system. If you are going to be working or playing hard in the heat, watermelon should be you snack of choice. It can help you stay cool and keep you from developing a heat stress related problem.
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