Know Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Especially with temps climbing into triple digits, you need to know the signs your body is getting too hot. Many of us have children who play sports in the spring and summer, and it's important to safeguard them.  Even doing yard work, we can be prone.

According to the website active.com, here are the signs (and differences) of each potentially dangerous issue:

**Heat Exhaustion:   This occurs especially in children, who don't sweat nearly as much as adults. Heat Exhaustion is when some one is not properly hydrated, drinking enough water. Signs include:

• clammy skin
• weakness
• dehydration
• headache
• nausea and vomiting and irritability

To treat this, loosen the person's clothing, get them to good shade immediately, and have them start to drink water that is not too frigid or cold.  Water that's too icy can actually raise the body temperature slightly.  Make sure they are not active until all signs disappear, and they are able to sit or stand without any dizziness.

**Heat Stroke:  Although both are serious, Heat Stroke has far more potential for deadly consequences. Heat Stroke results when a person's body, especially a child, reaches a temperature of 105 degrees or more. The symptoms include:

• flushed, hot dry skin with NO sweating
• temperature of 105 degrees or hotter
• severe, throbbing headache
• weakness, dizziness or confusion
• loss of consciousness

To treat this, get the person indoors as soon as possible.  Sponge their body with cool, but NOT cold water, to bring down temperature. Do NOT give fluids (heat stroke only), and immediately call 911.

Heat Exhaustion is considered the precursor to Heat Stroke. If left untreated, Heat Exhaustion WILL lead to stroke and dire consequences.

Make sure children and adults drink water in the heat often, even if not feeling thirsty. Take breaks in shade, and do not overdo the exertion, whether playing sports or even just yardwork.