Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies. Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely high temperatures, and those with respiratory and other health problems must be especially careful.

The most dangerous heat situations involve both a high temperare and high humidity. The high humidity hinders the evaporation of sweat from the skin which is the major mechanism used to rid the body of heat.

Prevention:

• Drink before you're thirsty and drink often.
• Electrolyte replacement drinks are advised. Electrolytes are ( potassium and calcium ) are lost with sweat and are crucial for the proper functioning of the body.
• Drink until your urine is clear ( a dark yellow urine in someone who has been sweating indicates dehydration ).
• void alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
• Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing.

Do's -

• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun
• Stay hydrated - regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads
• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat

Dont's -

• Direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F
• Leave children and pets alone in cars for any amount of time Drink alcohol to try to stay cool
• Eat heavy, hot, or hard-to-digest foods
• Wear heavy, dark clothing.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion.
Treatment: rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray the person with water and massage the cramp.

Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, they will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale.
Treatment: take the patient to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating the feet and giving the patient fluids.

Heat stroke is the worst heat-related injury. The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature. The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment: cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.