Stay cool and stay safe: Recognize and prevent heat exhaustion

While summer is winding down, the hottest time of the year is far from over. Late-summer temperatures and high humidity can be as hot in August and September as they are in the middle of the summer. With school back in session, sports practices ramping up and routines shifting, it's easy to forget just how quickly the body can overheat. Whether you're at the beach, working outside or just running errands in the midday sun, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Recognizing the early symptoms, understanding prevention, and knowing when to visit MD Now® urgent care can make a big difference.

Heat exhaustion: Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion develops when the body overheats and struggles to cool down. It can happen after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, humidity and loss of fluids when sweating.  It's your body's way of warning you that you probably need to slow down and cool off.

The CDC lists heat exhaustion as a heat-related illness. These types of illnesses result from any activity that occurs in high temperature environments. They include conditions ranging from mild dehydration to heat stroke. Though mild, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, requiring emergency care, if left untreated. People at the highest risk for heat exhaustion are the elderly, those with high blood pressure and those who are working or exercising in hot weather. Learning the signs of heat exhaustion can help you catch it early and be more proactive.

Early signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Elevated body temperature
• Decreased urine output

As symptoms progress, you might experience:

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mental fog or confusion
• A fast but weak pulse

These are warning signs that your body is nearing a critical point. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a serious heat-related illness that requires emergency treatment.  If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, rest, hydrate and seek medical care if symptoms continue or worsen. MD Now® urgent care is ready to serve you and your family's medical needs with quality, convenient care.

Heat safety begins with smart habits

Humid conditions can make the temperature feel even hotter than it is. Taking preventive steps can protect you from a visit to urgent care — or worse, the ER.

Try these simple habits:

• Stay hydrated: Water is your best defense. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks.
• Wear light, breathable clothes: Cotton and athletic fabrics are best.
• Avoid the midday sun: Try to run errands or exercise early or late in the day.
• Use shade and fans: Even small breaks from the heat help your body recover.
• Know your personal limits: If you're feeling dizzy or nauseous, stop immediately.

Additionally, pay specific mind to children and seniors — they can be more vulnerable and might not speak up when they’re overheating.

How MD Now urgent care can help

If you're experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, MD Now urgent care is your nearby resource for physician-led care when it's convenient for you.

Our medical team can:

• Check and monitor your vital signs
• Determine and evaluate your symptoms
• Provide treatment
• If needed, refer you to a higher level of care

About MD Now® urgent care

MD Now® urgent care is Florida’s largest urgent care operator with 100+ state-of-the-art clinics conveniently located across the state of Florida. MD Now urgent care’s physician-led team provides high-quality healthcare through a comprehensive lineup of urgent care and occupational health services during convenient hours. MD Now urgent care is proud to be affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information about urgent care locations and services, visit the MD Now® urgent care website.