Monsoon Advancing Tomorrow: 4 High-Humidity Health Warning Signs Your Body Is Experiencing ‘Heat Stress’
As the monsoon season continues to spread across much of the country, many people eagerly await the arrival of some much-needed respite from the summer heat. Unfortunately, the increase in humidity may create an additional level of discomfort for some people as well. With higher humidity levels, sweat evaporates at a slower rate than normal making it difficult for the body to cool off. As a result, even in lower-than-normal temperatures, people may experience heat-related illnesses.
1. Excessive Sweating and Fatigue
The possible warning signs of excessive sweating and fatigue are:
- Constantly sweating
- Low energy levels
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Falling asleep quickly after completing small amounts of physical activity
2. Dizziness and Headaches
The possible symptoms of dizziness and headaches are:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling faint when rising to a standing position
3. Muscle Cramps
The most common locations for muscle cramps are:
Legs
Arms
Abdominal area
4. Nausea and Rapid Heart Rate
Possible warning signs include:
– nausea
– increased heart rate
– feeling weak
– being hot even while sitting still.
How to Stay Safe
When it is humid outside, a person can help themselves by:
1) Drinking water throughout the day
2) Wearing lighter-weight clothing
3) Trying not to do heavy work during times of highest heat
4) Staying inside in shaded areas
5) Replacing electrolytes when necessary, such as from sweat losses.
Final Words
In closing, there is a considerable threat of suffering from heat-related illnesses as the fire season progresses into the monsoon rains. The high humidity will cause considerable stress on your body because it will limit your body’s potential to cool itself, which is achieved by sweating. If you feel extremely fatigued, dizzy, have muscle cramps, or are nauseated, it is important to take immediate measures to cool down and replenish lost fluids.
FAQs
Does high humidity cause heat-related illnesses?
Yes. When similar amounts of heat are applied to the skin as humidity, heat from the skin will not dissipate into the air as readily as it could in dry air.
What are the early signs of heat-related illness?
Excessive sweating and/or extreme fatigue are both common early signs of heat-related illnesses.
Is a muscle cramp caused by the weather or by heat?
A muscle cramp can be caused by dehydration and/or loss of sodium or potassium from your body.
Can a person suffer from heat-related illness when it is humid outside?
Yes. The body is still stressed by humidity, regardless of where the disturbance was located.
