Exercising in the heat can feel energizing, but it also comes with health risks that you need to be aware of if you plan on working out during the summertime. When you push your body in hot or humid conditions, it works extra hard to stay cool. Without proper care, this can result in heat-related illnesses like severe dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This article will review early warning signs that your body uses to tell you to slow down and cool off.
If you’re someone who enjoys exercising outdoors in the summertime, it’s crucial that you take preventive steps to avoid heat-related illnesses. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care, or save your spot in advance using the button below.
Early Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
Excessive Sweating
One of the first and most common signs is excessive sweating. While sweating helps regulate your body temperature, unusually heavy or constant sweating can be a red flag. It may be followed by sudden fatigue or weakness, even if you're usually in good shape. This happens because your body is losing both fluids and electrolytes faster than it can replace them.
Muscle Cramps and Dehydration
If your muscles start cramping, especially in your legs, arms, or abdomen, it's another early warning sign. These heat cramps are often caused by a loss of sodium and potassium through sweat. Cramping is your body's way of signaling that you're becoming dehydrated and need to pause for hydration and rest.
Dizziness, Nausea, and Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded is another key early symptom of heat-related illness. These sensations often come on suddenly and may be made worse when you stop moving after intense activity. You might also experience nausea or even vomiting, which are signs your body is struggling to cool itself properly.
Confusion and Mental Fog
Early heat-related illness can also affect your brain. You may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, or feel "off" mentally. These signs can be hazardous, as they impair your ability to recognize worsening symptoms or make decisions about stopping activity and getting help.
If these symptoms are ignored, they can lead to more severe conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which require immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Care for Heat-Related Illness Symptoms
If you begin to feel dizzy, weak, nauseous, or mentally foggy while exercising in the heat, and these symptoms don't improve after resting, hydrating, and cooling down, it's time to seek urgent medical care. Heat-related illnesses can worsen rapidly and may cause lasting harm to your body if left untreated. Your medical provider can quickly assess your condition, provide IV fluids if necessary, and ensure your body recovers safely. Acting fast could prevent serious complications and even save your life. Don't wait. Listen to your body and get help when the warning signs appear.
Visit AFC Stoneham for Rapid Heat-Related Illness Treatment
Heat-related illnesses can be very serious if not immediately treated. If you notice signs of a heat-related illness, you need to take immediate measures to try to cool your body off. If your symptoms are severe, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is available to provide same-day support for heat-related illnesses. Simply walk into the clinic for prompt same-day care.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Our board-certified medical providers are trained to diagnose common symptoms of heat-related illnesses and provide the necessary support to cool your body down. Our clinic works with most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk in today. To learn more about our clinic, give our team a call at (781) 279-4000.
