The forecast calls for a heat wave, but you’ve got outdoor plans. Is it still OK to take that long bike ride, spend the day gardening or attend a backyard barbecue? You might want to reconsider or take some extra precautions.
When exposed to extreme heat, the body typically cools itself by sweating. But sometimes sweating isn’t enough. Your body temperature could rise rapidly, and you could develop a heat-related illness. Factors that may limit your ability to regulate your body temperature include being older, being overweight, having certain health conditions or taking certain medicines.
Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually strike with heavy exercise in hot environments. These cramps often affect the calves, arms, belly and back. You are more likely to get heat cramps if you sweat heavily during activity.
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