Macon, Ga. landscape conractor Rusty Stewart often works in the heat. About two years ago, he hadn't been drinking a lot of water, when he had a heat exhaustion attack.
RUSTY STEWART, MACON
"I just started feeling really light-headed, really dizzy. I started seeing spots. My vision got really blurry. I started feeling really weak all of a sudden. And it all just kind of happened real rapidly."
According to James Blessett, a paramedic for Mid Georgia Ambulances, as you lose fluids in the heat, your blood pressure can go down. It can make it more difficult for your heart to pump oxygen to your organs and for your body to cool itself, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
JAMES BLESSETT, MID GEORGIA AMBULANCES
"Heat stroke, you're gonna quit sweating, your body has done... depleted the fluids that it has for evaporation to try to cool itself. Altered mental state... it could be deadly."
The signs of heat stroke can include:
- a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
-red, hot, and dry skin
-a throbbing headache or dizziness
-feeling like you have a "sick stomach"
-confusion or unconsciousness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people are at greater risk, including:
-people who overexert themselves at work
-people who have heart disease or high blood pressure
-people who take medications for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
Rusty Stewart says he's learned how to prevent heat illnesses.
RUSTY STEWART, MACON
"From then on I've been drinking nothing but water and gatorade. I don't want that to ever happen again. It's the weirdest feeling you can have."
Tips:
-Don't stay outdoors in the heat for more than two hours without drinking water
-Wear lightweight clothes
-Try to stay in the shade