OK, I realize that most of the country is in the middle of winter and not thinking about summer right now. But summer will be here before you know it and with temperatures getting hotter every year, heat disorders are becoming more commonplace.

Heat disorders are a group of physically related illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, restricted fluid intake or failure of the temperature regulation mechanisms in the body. They include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (also called sunstroke). Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the most common types of heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke is the most dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Heat cramps are the least severe of the heat-related illnesses and often the first signal that the body is having difficulty with increased temperatures. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by an excessive loss of salts due to heavy perspiration. Cramps are more likely to occur in the legs and abdomen than in any other part of the body. Those in the highest risk brackets are people working in extreme heat, elderly people, young children, people with health problems and those who are unable to naturally and properly cool their bodies.

Treating heat cramps involves getting the individual into a cool place and giving them cool water with a teaspoon of salt per quart. Do not give salt tablets; they can make the condition worse. Mild stretching and massaging of the muscle area is recommended once the condition improves.

Heat exhaustion is a more complex and serious condition. Symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, exhaustion, overall weakness and a weak but rapid pulse. Breathing will be fast and shallow. A deficiency in the production of sweat and an insufficent water and salt intake puts an individual at high risk for heat exhaustion. Those most at risk include athletes, firefighters, construction workers and anybody who wears heavy clothing in hot humid weather.

A person suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved into a cool place. Elevate their feet, remove or loosen their clothing and give them cold (not iced) salt water to drink. Replacement of body fluids and rest are usually all that is needed for a full recovery.

If not taken care of, heat exhaustion can rapidly develop into heat stroke. If a person’s body temperature is higher than 104 degrees, they are suffering from heat stroke. Other symptoms include mental confusion with possible combative tendencies and bizarre behavior, staggering and faintness. The skin will look dry and flush and the pulse will be strong and rapid. The person can quickly lose consciousness or go into convulsions.

An individual suffering from heat stroke should seek immediate emergency medical attention. While waiting for help, get them to a cool place, remove or loosen their clothing, wrap them in wet towels and place ice packs in areas with the greatest blood supply. These include the neck, under the arms and knees, and in the groin. Bed rest for several days is recommended.

As with most things, it is better to take the precautions necessary to prevent heat disorders. To do so, avoid any kind of strenuous activities when it is very hot. Drink plenty of fluids, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and eat salty foods to help replace salt lost through sweat. Make sure any indoor working area has proper ventilation. If you do need to work outdoors, use a sunblock or suncreen with SPF 15 factor.

It’s hard to think about these things when the temperatures are below freezing and there’s snow on the ground, but summer is coming and it is better to be safe than sorry. This summer be prepared for heat disorders and know how to treat them if they should occur.