Keep Your Cool
In The Heat
By: Chad Everett, DO
The warm weather of summer
creates more opportunities for
people to spend time outside.
Whether you are working, exer-
cising, or doing other activities,
it is important to protect your-
self from heat related illnesses
like heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. weather. Heat stroke is the most
severe form and can cause
death or permanent disability
if treatment is not provided.
Regularly check on individuals
who have a higher risk for get-
ting heat illnesses and do not
leave children and pets in the
car or outside in the heat.
Know what to expect when
you are planning outdoor activi-
ties by checking the tempera-
ture and heat index. Try to plan
exercise and outdoor activities
during the cooler parts of the
day, early morning and late
afternoon. Some of the warning signs
for heat exhaustion can be
heavy sweating; weakness;
cold, pale, and clammy skin;
fast, weak pulse; nausea or
vomiting and fainting. If you or
someone near you is experienc-
ing these symptoms take the
following steps:
• Move to a cool location
• Lie down and loosen
clothing
• Apply cold, wet cloths
• Sip water
• If you or the individual
has vomited and it con
tinues, seek medical at
tention immediately.
Spending time in cool, air
conditioned areas is the best
way to prevent heat illness,
but when you are in the heat
make sure to wear loose, light
colored clothing and drink lots
of water. Adults over 65, young
children, people with existing
medical problems, such as heart
disease, and people without
access to air conditioning are at
a high risk for suffering from a
heat related illness.
If you do not have air con-
ditioning in your home, spend
time in public places, such as
shopping malls, a public library
or a heat-relief shelter during
extremely hot weather. Even a
few hours spent out of the heat
can keep your body cool.
Consult your provider for
more tips on how you can keep
your cool this summer. If you do
not have a dedicated primary
care provider, visit LoneStar-
Physicians.com or call the Find-
A-Doc line at 817- 489-7450
To find a physician close to you, visit
Weatherford Regional Medical Center’s online Physician Directory at
WeatherfordRegional.com/Physicians
About the Author: Chad Everett, DO, a mem-
ber of the medical staff, received his medical
school education from UNT Health Science
Center in Fort Worth. He completed his family
medicine residency at Plaza Medical Center
and is board certified in family medicine by
the American Board of Osteopathic Family
Physicians.
Heat related illnesses such
as heat exhaustion and rash
occur when the body cannot
cool itself down in extremely hot
Heat stroke occurs when
someone has a high body
temperature (above 103 de-
grees Fahrenheit). Signs of
heat stroke include hot, red, dry
or moist skin, rapid and strong
pulse or possible unconscious-
ness.”
Heat stroke is an emergency.
If you think someone is experi-
encing symptoms, take immedi-
ate action:
• Seek medical attention
and dial 911
• Move them to a cool
location
• Reduce their body
temperature with a cool
bath or cloths
• Do not give fluids.
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