One Word: Heatstroke, or Is It Two Words?

It doesn’t matter. Geezer doesn’t get paid by the word, which is particularly unfortunate today, because leads as digressive as this one is could add up to some serious Starbuck’s money. OK. Heatstroke: Tara Parker-Pope warns us of one of the more insidious aspects of the condition: those who have it are often the last to know. Or, more accurately, those who have it are often the first to deny it. Why it that? In less than scientific terms, because the same cauldron that fries your body also fries your brain. And now, two paragraphs from Tara Parker-Pope that could save someone’s life.

"The lesson is that if a problem with heat illness is suspected,
asking someone if they are okay is not enough. In addition to high body
temperature, the obvious signs of heat illness are red, hot and dry
skin with little or no sweating, as well as a rapid strong pulse. A
person with heat illness may start stumbling or appear less coordinated
than usual. Ask the person if she or he has a headache, nausea or
dizziness. Talk to them about a variety of topics to see if they
exhibit symptoms of confusion.

If you suspect a person is having a problem with the heat, err on
the side of caution and insist they get into shade and cool down. Have
them drink water and spray their body with cold water or rub them down
with ice or a cold cloth. If they don’t cool down quickly, seek medical
advice."

Read more from Tara Parker-Pope in the New York Times.