1. icon-arrow-left
    Healthy Living
Healthy Living · article

Avoid heat exhaustion this summer

Woman using water bottle to cool down. Fitness and wellbeing concept with female athlete cooling down on a city street. She is holding a water bottle to her head to cool down. The sun is low creating long shadows and some lens flare. Copy space

Heat illnesses can be prevented by being careful in hot, humid weather.

Increased activity in the summer could result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a cascading condition that can cause permanent disability or death. 

Older people, those struggling with health issues and young children are most susceptible to heat exhaustion as well as athletes who wear helmets and heavy uniforms during summer practices. But Matthew Martinez, MD, director of Atlantic Health System Sports Cardiology at Morristown Medical Center cautions that everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms to protect themselves and those around them. 

Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:

  • Dizziness
  • Cold skin
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Weakness

Know the symptoms of heat stroke

The symptoms of heat stroke can often include:

  • Lack of sweat
  • High fever
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Irrational behavior

When not properly addressed, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a condition where the body is simply unable to cool itself and begins to shut down. 

Atlantic Health System cardiologist, Michael Weinrauch, MD, urges people to acclimate to the season and to practice common sense when spending time in the sun. He also says it is critical to recognize when someone is in crisis. 

“The summer heat and humidity sneak up on us and it is important to know how to respond if you suspect a person is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.” 

According to Dr. Martinez, treatment for heat exhaustion involves stopping activity, moving the person to a cooler, shaded location, and providing cold water until the symptoms decline. If a person’s condition worsens, and symptoms of heat stroke emerge, it is important to get the person as cool as possible and to contact medical professionals. They will likely begin IV therapy to quickly hydrate the person and cool the body. 

Find a Primary Care Doctor
Published: June 27, 2025

Related articles

Healthy LivingAvoid heat exhaustion this summerIncreased activity in the summer could result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke,. Take the advice of some of Atlantic Health System’s top experts and stay healthy as you get moving this summer.
Healthy Living5 things to consider when choosing a sunscreenWhat should you look for when choosing a safe and effective sunscreen? With all the brands on the market today, here are a few simple tips to help make sunscreen shopping a little easier – and to keep your skin well-protected this summer.
Healthy LivingIs it heartburn?Is it heartburn, acid reflux or GERD? Learn how to tell the difference, what symptoms to look out for and how to treat this common condition.
Healthy LivingWhat you need to know about tick bitesTicks are looking for a warm host to feed from — even as the weather cools. Here’s how to dress properly to avoid tick bites in woods and grasslands. And, if you do find a tick on your body, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Orthopedics6 exercises to help relieve back painIf you are experiencing lower back pain that seems to persist, a few daily exercises could bring some relief. These simple strengthening and stretching exercises help keep your muscles balanced and build your core - so your back is protected.
Healthy LivingHow to know when a wound is infected—and what to do about itMinor cuts and scrapes typically heal on their own. But Atlantic Health experts say when redness, swelling, and pain creep in, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
Healthy LivingIndigestion and IBS: Are they related?While they share a few of the same symptoms, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, are different conditions and require different treatments.
Healthy LivingInfectious disease specialist shares what to know about tuberculosisAfter decades of decline, TB cases are on the rise. Learn what you need to know from an Atlantic Health System infectious disease specialist.
Healthy LivingAre microplastics a hidden health threat?Tiny plastic particles known as microplastics are prevalent in our food, water, and air. An Atlantic Health System expert weighs in about their impact on our health.
Healthy LivingCan diet and exercise lower your cancer risk?Learn how lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise can lower your cancer risk with practical advice from Atlantic Health System.
Healthy LivingShould I know my blood type?Knowing your blood type can be important for your health. Learn when — and why — this information can help with advice from Atlantic Health System
Healthy LivingDo we really need eight glasses of water a day?Do people need to drink water all day long to stay hydrated? We asked an expert at Atlantic Health System about the eight-glass-a-day rule for adults—and his answer may surprise you.