There are many factors that can contribute to heat related illnesses, but did you know that ages 65 and over, people that are overweight, people that have heart disease and those with high blood pressure have an almost double risk of developing heat related illnesses than those who do not have any of those conditions? It is important to be aware of your environment and be aware of your body’s response to heat. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down- but sometimes that is not enough. If you feel yourself becoming too hot, take a break and move to an air conditioned area where you can cool down. It is also important to stay hydrated. Water and sports drinks like Gatorade are the better choice when hydrating after sweating because they replace salt and minerals that are lost when sweating. To learn more, please visit the CDC’s website or click here.
