Telltale signs that someone you know is suffering from the heat

Old people and infants are the most vulnerable

One of the dangers of heat-related stress is that the people suffering from it might not be aware of it themselves. Older people in particular can have a tougher time dealing with higher temperatures., while Infants are not able to voice their feelings.

If you have an  older person in your circle, check in with them to see how they are coping or ask a neighbour to dop by. The temperature does not have to be very high to put them at risk.

Signs to look out for include: headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea. To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, take steps to:

• Get the person out of the sun and into a cool, ideally air-conditioned place.
• Get them to drink fluids – even if they claim not to be thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Shower, bathe, or sponge them with cool water.
• Get them to lie down and rest.

 If in doubt, go to a doctor or an emergency room to find out if they need treatment.

(Michel Leahy. Photo: Matt Bennett / Unsplash)