With the ongoing heatwave, people have been very concerned regarding their health and well-being. While people may not realize it, heatwave not only is a natural hazard, but it has a great impact on society, which includes heat related deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Heat affects us in many ways, whether it is affecting our body temperature, our appetite, or even our moods. However, one should not take high temperatures outside lightly. Heat can often trigger serious conditions, many of which need immediate action to rectify. One must know signs and early symptoms to avoid falling into a dangerous situation. One such sign of heat-illness can show up in your legs as well- Heat Cramps. Pain in Your Muscles Due To Heat Heat cramps are sharp, painful muscle spasms. They often happen when you're doing intense exercise or heavy work in hot weather. Not drinking enough water can make you more likely to get them. You'll most likely feel this pain or sudden, strong muscle tightening in your stomach area, arms, or legs. Remember, heat cramps can also be an early sign that you're heading towards heat exhaustion. If you experience sudden, strong muscle tightening or painful twists, especially in your calves, thighs, or hamstrings, while working or exercising in hot conditions, it's a strong indicator of heat cramps. These cramps can be incredibly painful and are a direct result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. They can also be an early warning sign that you are heading towards heat exhaustion, so it's vital to address them immediately by resting, hydrating, and replacing lost electrolytes. Heat-Related Illnesses And Types Of It Heat cramps, along with some other illnesses, are types of heat stress. When you're in the hot weather, your body's amazing natural cooling system kicks in, sweating. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries heat away, helping to keep your core temperature stable. However, there are times when this system gets overwhelmed, and your body can get dangerously hot. This condition is known as heat stress. Understanding the different forms of heat stress and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for staying safe in warm weather. Dehydration This is simply when your body doesn't have enough water. You lose water through sweating, and if you don't drink enough, you get dehydrated. Heat Exhaustion This happens if you stay in the heat for too long, especially if you're already dehydrated. Your body gets overworked trying to cool down. Heat Cramps These are painful muscle spasms. They often hit your legs, but can also affect your stomach or arms. They usually happen when you're working or exercising hard in the heat. Heat Syncope This is when you feel dizzy or even faint because of the heat. Heat Rash This looks like small red bumps on your skin, often in areas where you sweat a lot. Heat Stroke This is the most serious kind of heat illness. It's an emergency where your body can't cool itself down anymore, and your body temperature rises very quickly. How to Protect Yourself from Heat Stress?Taking a few simple steps can really help you avoid getting sick from the heat: Drink plenty of fluids: Make sure to drink water and sports drinks before and while you're out in the heat. Don't wait until you're thirsty! Wear light, loose clothes: Choose light-colored clothes that fit loosely. This helps your body stay cooler by reflecting sunlight and letting air move around. Stay out of the sun during the hottest time: Try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, as this is usually when the sun is strongest. Find a cool spot: If you start to feel too hot, move to a cool place right away. This could be an air-conditioned building, a shady spot, or even just a cooler room indoors.