The basics of heat stress When the thermometer rises, it can-and
often does-create a multitude of problems. Anyone, given the
right (or wrong) conditions, can get heat stress. Some are lucky
enough to suffer only from heat cramps, while those who are less
fortunate may be laid up by heat exhaustion or devastated by
heat stroke. As the long, hot days of summer approach, it is
helpful to review the effects of warm weather on the human body,
the illnesses that may result and what you can do. How the body
stays cool Unknowingly, you constantly engage your body in the
life-and-death struggle to disperse the heat it produces. If
allowed to accumulate, this heat would quickly increase your
body temperature beyond its comfortable 98.6oF. This does not
normally happen because your body is able to lose enough heat to
maintain a steady temperature. You become aware of this struggle
for heat balance during hard labor or exercise in hot
environments, when your body produces heat faster than it can
lose it. Under certain c