http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_exhaustion/article.htm
I did a search on WSF and turned up a few threads. I thought it was worth repeating, since I have many of these symptoms on a daily basis. I have had helpers get so hot they puke and get 'the shakes'. I've been way too hot before too. Cramps are a given in my line of work, just as are 'heat headaches' as we call them in my family.
I guess I should have posted about the dangers of heat three months ago when summer started (down here), but since there's still three months of summer left, I figured now is as good a time as any.
Given the temperatures, profuse sweating is not uncommon. This should be your first sign to start drinking water regularly. High heat and high humidity impair your body's ability to cool itself because the sweat does not evaporate readily. I can drink up to two gallons a day at work, by myself.
Normally for me, the first symptom is usually a headache followed by cramps. An aspirin is not the solution! You need to find a shady place and rest a while, while rehydrating. Once the cramps set in, they will stick with you for a few days. Makes it really tough to keep going, no matter if your working, taking a hike, or trying to get out of a bad situation.
Take a moment to run over the list of symptoms. There are a few more links with good information. Try to commit the list to memory, so you will know immediately that you are too hot, and you can take proper measures to keep your condition from getting worse.
It's also worth mentioning "cold shock". When you are too hot, it is important to cool down slowly. Going from 100+ outdoors, to 75 indoors can cause a shift in your body that makes the symptoms even worse. Normally after work, I drive with the windows down to cool off instead of running the air conditioner. 5 minutes with the air on and I'd be shivering.. this is BAD when your core temperature was just so high 10 minutes prior. Drinking ice-cold water can be just as bad, and I've had it make me sick before... like my body just says 'NO! you are too hot for that!'
I like to take a bottle with me, usually a large one, like a 32oz. Gatorade bottle. That should last me no more than an hour in this heat. 8oz (a few gulps) every 15 minutes at least, especially under heavy exertion or exercise. Stay hydrated folks!
If your spit is thick, you are not well hydrated. Time for some water. If you aren't peeing regularly, you aren't drinking enough water. Knowing your body and paying attention to it while you are doing whatever task is at hand is important and should take precedence over said task. Imagine trying to twine rope from natural cordage with cramps in your hands... torture at best...
Stay healthy in this heat gang!
