QUESTION: In the past, I have seen lists of symptoms to look for if you think someone might be having a stroke or heart attack. With summer heading our way, do you know of such a list for signs of heat stroke?
ANSWER: There are a number of specific signs that could indicate a person is experiencing a heat-related problem.
There are two conditions: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is less severe, more common and usually occurs when the body becomes severely dehydrated. Left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the more serious heat-related illness and can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not summoned as soon as possible.
Signs of heat exhaustion include cold clammy skin, fatique, dizziness or fainting, weak rapid pulse, fast shallow breathing, nausea or vomiting, profuse sweating, headache and restlessness.
Heat stroke is often preceded by heat exhaustion and, with the onset of heat stroke, the sweating diminishes and often stops completely, the skin becomes hot, dry and flushed, breathing is shallow and the pulse is rapid and weak and the body temperature rises dramatically.
Hydration is an important part of everyday living, but it becomes more important in the summer heat, and experts are predicting that the summer heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. You can prevent dehydration by making sure you drink enough liquid every day and eat foods with high water content such as watermelon and soup.
Happenings
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: “2017 Thousand Oaks Senior of the Year Dinner and Award Ceremony” at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $6 and available at the center.
Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Seminar — “End of Life: What Matters Most” — at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. For reservations call (818) 597-7631.
Saturday, 1 p.m.: Conejo Senior Volunteer Program’s 2017 Theatre Fest showing “Social Security” at the Conejo Players Theatre. Tickets are $20 and available at the Goebel Center. For more information call 381-2742.
June 15, 12:30 p.m.: Presentation — “Expand Your Freedom Using Public Transportation” – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For reservations call (805) 381-2744.
June 21, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Seminar — “The Four Federal Programs Seniors Should Understand” — at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. For information call the Senior Advocate’s office, 495-6250.
June 22, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Seminar — “The Four Federal Programs Seniors Should Understand” — at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. For reservations call 583-6363.
June 27, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Seminar — “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” — at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. For reservations call 583-6363.
