06/30/2026
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR VFW State of Illinois Surgeon:
Introduction: This is a message from the IL VFW State Surgeon. The purpose of this communication is to provide guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses and identifying heat exhaustion and heat stroke. We are expecting high temperatures, and humidity in the coming days. Heat exposure causes several types of illnesses, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Strenuous activity leading to dehydration and overheating must be curtailed and avoided. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with medical conditions must be especially vigilant to avoid the effects of heat exposure.
Heat injury prevention tips include:
1. Acclimatize gradually to heat with gradually increasing exposure.
2. Drink water often (stay properly hydrated), even if you don�?Tt feel thirsty; avoid alcohol
and caffeine. [For those with fluid restrictions (e.g., those with congestive heart failure or
dependence of dialysis) discuss with and get advice from your health care provider.]
3. Wear loose lightweight, light-colored (reflects sunlight) clothing and use sunscreen and hats that protect you from the sun�?Ts rays allow heat to escape from your head.
4. Plan ahead: schedule regular cooling breaks and restrict strenuous activities to cooler times of the day.
5. Know the signs: watch for muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, or confusion.
6. Act fast: if someone shows signs of overheating, move them to a cool place, cool them down, and seek medical help if needed.
Recognizing the symptoms and signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke is critical. Quick actions on your part can save not only your own life but that of relatives and friends. Check in with those who are vulnerable in your family and social network. Review the warning signs below so you know how to spot and respond to heat-related illness early.
1. Heat Cramps: Sweating depletes the body�?Ts salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Warning Signs: Muscle cramps, Pain or Spasms in the abdomen (e.g., stomach area), arms, or legs.
What to do: Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid the use of salt tablets. Get medical help if the person has heart problems, is on a low salt diet, or has heat cramps not subsiding within one hour. Consider heat stroke warning signs (below).
2. Heat Exhaustion: This happens when your body loses too much water and salt from heavy excessive sweating.
Warning Signs: Heavy sweating, Cool and clammy skin, Dizziness and light-headedness, Headache and fatigue, Nausea or vomiting, a Fast Heartbeat.
What to do: Move the person to a cooler place. Have them lie down in the shade or indoors, rest, and drink cool water or sports drinks.
3. Heat Stroke: This is the most dangerous stage. It occurs when your body�?Ts temperature regulation system completely fails, raising your core temperature to 104o F or higher.
Warning Signs: Confusion, slurred speech, or strange behavior, Loss of consciousness (coma), Seizures, Hot, red, and dry skin (the person may completely stop sweating), a Very fast pulse.
What to Do: Call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. While waiting for help, move the person to the shade, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool them down with ice packs, or a fan. Place cold wet clothes or ice packs on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak remaining clothing with cool water.
It is important to follow up with your health care provider after a heat related illness to assess your overall health and treatment plan especially if you have any chronic illnesses requiring medications. I hope you find this helpful!
Col. Damon T. Arnold
IL VFW State Surgeon
