By Jason Wartgow, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, McComb Family Practice
The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially in high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are at risk of heat illness, particularly to those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Factors that increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion include intense/strenuous work, diabetes or hyperglycemia, drug abuse, heavy/long-term alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, medications for certain illnesses (depression, insomnia, allergies, hypertension or heart disease) or if you are over 65 years of age.
