GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- Life EMS Ambulance's Health and Safety Director, Josh Thibault stopped by our Weekend Morning news to share summer heat prevention tips.

These tips can help reduce chances of suffering from one of three major heat induced illnesses that can become serious emergencies.

The 411 on heat emergencies:

· There are 3 types of heat emergencies including:

o heat cramps

o heat exhaustion

o heat stroke ( the most detrimental of the three.)

· Heat Cramps are painful, brief muscle cramps that occur during exercise or work in a hot environment. They occur most often when a person performs exercises he/she is not used to or when a person sweats excessively and is not taking in proper amounts of hydration.

· Heat Exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop during periods of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are those working or exercising in a hot environment, the elderly and those with high blood pressure <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=378>.·

Heat Stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. The elderly, infants and athletes are the main demographics prone to heat stroke however anyone working in extreme environments without proper hydration can be affected.

is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is a form of , an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. The elderly, infants and athletes are the main demographics prone to heat stroke however anyone working in extreme environments without proper hydration can be affected.

•  People should be wary if the following list of symptoms becomes present: excessive sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, confusion, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or loss of consciousness.

Summer heat safety tips:

From gardening to athletics, outdoor activities are enjoyed by people of all ages during Michigan's summer months. Warm temperatures mixed with physical activities can often lead to cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke. Here are a few safety tips to keep you cool during outdoor summertime fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., water or sports drinks, which are great for replenishing electrolytes) before, during and after physical activity.

· To avoid dehydration, stay away from alcohol, caffeine and tea.

· Understand your limitations: Take frequent breaks from physical activity

· Wear hats and clothes that are light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting.

· If you experience muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or confusion, stop all physical activity, move to a cooler location and hydrate yourself.

· Protect yourself from the sun's damaging UV rays. Always wear sunscreen and reapply often