Who is at risk for heat-related illness?
People at risk for heat-related illnesses include those who work or exercise outdoors, elderly people, young children, and people with health problems. Also at risk are those who have had a heat-related illness in the past, those with medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation, and those who take medications to get rid of water (diuretics). People usually try to get out of extreme heat before they begin to feel ill. However, some people do not or cannot. Athletes and those who work outdoors often keep working even after they begin to feel ill. Those living in poorly ventilated or poorly insulated or poorly heated buildings are at risk of heat emergencies Many times, they might not even recognize that they are in danger of becoming ill.
