During hot and humid days, it’s not uncommon to experience headaches, but some might be warning signs of more serious heat-related illness. Common Causes of Heat-Related Headaches: *Dehydration *Heat exhaustion *Prolonged sun exposure *Physical activity in hot weather What You Can Do: *Drink plenty of water throughout the day *Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning *Wear a hat and light-colored, breathable clothing *Replace electrolytes if sweating heavily Watch for These Warning Signs: *Throbbing headache that doesn’t improve with fluids or rest *Dizziness, confusion, nausea, or fainting *Rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing *Hot, dry skin (even without sweating) If these symptoms appear, it could be heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Don’t wait, call 911 or seek immediate medical care. From all of us at Family Physicians of Cedar Rapids, stay cool, stay hydrated, and don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. We’re […]
As we head into a hot and humid weekend here in Iowa, it’s important to be mindful of how these conditions can affect your health. High humidity doesn’t just make you feel sticky, it can also increase your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health concerns. 💧 Stay Hydrated Humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself by sweating. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration. 🧴 Protect Your Skin Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Humid weather can also aggravate skin conditions like eczema or heat rash, so wear loose, breathable clothing and keep skin clean and dry. 🧠 Watch for Signs of Heat Illness Be alert for symptoms like: • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Headache • Muscle cramps […]
