Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

You can prevent heat-related illnesses. The important thing is to say well-hydrated, to make sure that your body can get rid of extra heat, and to be sensible about exertion in hot, humid weather.

Your sweat is your body's main system for getting rid of extra heat. When you sweat, and the water evaporates, the heat that evaporates the sweat comes mainly from your skin. If you do not sweat enough, you cannot get rid of extra heat well. Dehydration will make it harder for you to cool off. If you are dehydrated you won't sweat as much, and your body will try to keep blood away from the skin to keep your blood pressure at the right level in the core of your body. The best fluid to drink when you are sweating is water.