It is time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, but also remember to protect yourself from the summer heat. When our bodies get too hot, it can cause heat-related illnesses like Hyperthermia. Hyperthermia can be mild or serious:
- Mild Hyperthermia may cause discomfort and swelling in feet and ankles.
- Heat Exhaustion is when your body can no longer cool you down. You may start to feel dizzy, nauseous, thirsty, weak, or uncoordinated.
- Heat Stroke is the most extreme form of Hyperthermia and is life-threatening. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, seek help immediately. Some symptoms are: fainting, trouble walking, confusion, agitation, dry/flushed skin, and a lack of sweat despite being hot.
Infants, young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are more at risk of heat-related illnesses, so be sure to take breaks to cool off during your fun activities this summer.
Click here for more tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Indian Prairie Library, located at 401 Plainfield Road serves as a cooling center during its hours of operation. DuPage Community Resource Information System (CRIS) provides a listing of locations by zip code: click here.