Act fast against heat related illness.

Sunburn

There is no safe level of sunburn. Sunburns appear as painful, red and warm skin, potentially with blisters. Sunburns increase risk for skin cancer and weaken the skin barrier causing wrinkles and dark spots.

Soothe by staying out of the sun, placing cool cloths on the sunburned areas, and applying moisturizer. Remember not to break sunburn blisters.

Heat Cramps

Seen as heavy sweating during intense exercise, heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms due to the heat.

Soothe by stopping physical activity and move to a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink. Wait for the cramps to subside before returning to physical activity.

Get medical help right away if the cramps last longer than one hour, if you are following a low-sodium diet, or if you have heart problems.

Heat Exhaustion

Experienced as heavy sweating, having cold or clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headaches, or fainting.

Soothe by moving to a cool place, and loosening clothes. Put cool, wet cloths on your body, and sip water.

Get medical help right away if you are throwing up, symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.

Heat Stroke

Appears as a high body temperature of 103 F or higher, having hot, red skin, a fast strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and losing consciousness.

The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors, people with mental illness, obesity, poor circulation, and those on certain medicines or drinking alcohol are most susceptible to heat stroke.

Act fast at the signs for heat stroke. Call 911 right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place and lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Most people with heatstroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely drink. Wait until they are alert to provide water.

Help protect yourself from heat related illness. Pack sunscreen, a wide brim hat, a lightweight long sleeve over shirt, drinking water, a shade canopy or umbrella, and a fan. Avoid the hottest time of day for outdoor activities, usually between 12 and 3 pm. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html for more information.

Want more MU Extension Nutrition programs? Add safe home canning to your summer plans. MU Extension is offering a Pressure Canning Workshop, 10 a.m. July 17 at Salem Community Center, for $25. Call (573) 729-3196 to register by July 9. Whether new to canning or seeking a refresher on something you’ve been doing for years, this course can help you preserve your produce safely and efficiently.