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(Des Moines, IA) -- With actual air temperatures nearing the triple-digits today, medical professionals are urging Iowans to know the signs of heat-related illness.
Dr. Kelly Krei of Mercy One says symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, dizziness and headaches, should be taken seriously, especially by the athletes taking part in RAGBRAI.
Krei says heat exhaustion leads to heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition when body temperature reaches over 104 degrees. She says you will stop sweating when it's heat stroke.
"Heat stroke can lead to death. So this is a very, very serious thing, not just for our athletes but also for people going out in the heat of the day," Krei said.
She suggests if you have to be outside, gradually getting used to the heat, staying hydrated and taking a lot of breaks.