Beating the Heat: Knowing the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion The heat can be dangerous in Texas, an East Texas physician explains the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Author: Alan Kasper Updated: 9:39 PM CDT July 23, 2021 TYLER, Texas — This weekend may feel like triple digit temperatures. Dr. Rebecca Peebles, a physician with UT Health East Texas, gives some tips to beat the heat and knowing the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. “So, the biggest thing is preparation, looking at the weather do you want to look at not only the temperature, but the humidity which is called the heat index and that gives you a better idea of how your body will respond to the weather,” Peebles said. “So, the higher the heat index the more stress on the body. If you’re going to be outside trying to do the more strenuous activities, whether it is exercise or work, try doing those earlier in the morning.”