What are heat-related illnesses?

When it’s really hot, your body can get overwhelmed and feel sick, that’s what we call heat-related illnesses.

Imagine you're playing outside on a super hot day, like when the pavement feels like it's burning your toes. Your body is trying to cool down by sweating, but if it gets too hot for too long, it can’t keep up. That’s when heat-related illnesses happen, they’re like your body giving up from being too warm.

Your body works like a little engine. When you're in the sun or wearing thick clothes, that engine gets extra hot. If it’s too hot for too long, it might overheat, and you can feel really tired, dizzy, or even faint, just like when your toy car overheats and stops running.

If you take a break in the shade, drink some water, or jump into a cool pool, your body’s engine can slow down and start working better again. That’s how you beat the heat and stay happy! When it’s really hot, your body can get overwhelmed and feel sick, that’s what we call heat-related illnesses.

Imagine you're playing outside on a super hot day, like when the pavement feels like it's burning your toes. Your body is trying to cool down by sweating, but if it gets too hot for too long, it can’t keep up. That’s when heat-related illnesses happen, they’re like your body giving up from being too warm.