iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
Warmer temperatures are welcome and expected in the summer months. But some parts of the U.S. are seeing dangerously high temperatures, and as the mercury rises, so does the real risk of heat-related illnesses.
The severity of these illnesses range from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and actual hyperthermia. Another potential problem is dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, increased thirst, headache, weakness, dizziness or nausea.
If you’ve been in the sun or heat and start to experience symptoms or just don’t feel well, stop what you’re doing, get out of the sun, drink some water and use cool compresses to relieve symptoms. Remember to take frequent breaks, and try to do as much in the shade as possible.
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