With the high temperatures making their way into the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area in the next week, many should be careful to not get sick.

Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arberexplains that as people spend more time outside and the heat continues to increase, the more likely individuals are to suffer from heat related illnesses if they don’t take care of themselves. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that heat stroke is the most severe form of this type of illness, and gives some of the symptoms.

“Anyone that begins to feel confused, if they have hot, dry sweating or very high body temperatures, those are some signs of heat stroke, especially folks that are older, (have) high blood pressure. You can really find those folks become heat stroked a lot faster.”

Arber mentions that a step down from heat stroke is heat exhaustion, and adds that when people suffer from it, they may feel some nausea, dizziness, headaches and weakness. He advises that when working or playing outside, individuals that feel hot to the touch, or are sweating excessively should take every opportunity and precaution to help keep themselves from suffering a heat related illness. Arber says that plenty of water and shade breaks are extremely beneficial.