During these hot days of summer, we have to be extra careful outside in the sun. The modern term for “heatstroke” or “sunstroke” is heat related illness. This occurs when a person’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level. I myself succumbed to this once during my younger years when I thought I was in terrific physical condition.Things that a person can do to prevent heat related illness are mostly common sense, such as staying indoors in the air conditioning, wearing lightweight/vented clothing, drinking extra water, taking frequent breaks when doing outdoor activities, or doing these activities during the cooler times of the day.
The NJ Poison Control Center has a 24/7 hotline for questions related to heat related illness at 1-800-222-1222.
Dave Volpe – Health Officer