Sunstroke - The Dangers of Heat Waves

A heat wave with temperatures well into the 90s is gripping the Midwest and the East coast this week. Many people have been prompted to research the signs of heat illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion as result of the high temperatures. Summer heat can kill because it reduces the ability of your body to remain at a normal temperature through evaporation. Each year, 175 people on average in the United States lose their lives to heat. According to the National Weather Service, from 1936 to 975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by heat. In the heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

Being aware of the signs of summer illnesses can keep you and your family safe. When the heat index soars, there are certain key symptoms you need to recognize. Remember heat stroke or sunstroke has different symptoms than heat exhaustion.