Healthy Choices Staying Cool This Summer Living here in Clearwater, we know that our summers can be hot and humid. Part of being safe is knowing how to stay cool, being aware of heat emergencies and knowing how to prevent overheating and dehydration, especially when we are active outside. 04 MyClearwater Anyone can overheat without proper precautions, and certain groups of people are at higher risk of overheating than others. If you or one of your family members falls into any of these categories, it is especially important to be aware of signs and symptoms that your body is overheating: • Those who are active and/or work in a hot and humid environment • Older adults • Young children • Those with certain health conditions (such as heart or lung disease) • People with a history of heatrelated illness • Those who have cardiovascular disease • People who take certain medications (such as diuretics) There are several types of heat-related illnesses. Noticing something is wrong earlier is much better than having it progress to heat stroke, which becomes an emergency situation. • Heat rash: Typically due to blocked sweat pores, heat rash typically presents under clothing and is red and itchy. • Heat edema: This next level of heat-related illness involves swelling of the hands and feet. • Heat cramps: Once you reach heat cramps, the body is dehydrated, causing the imbalance of electrolytes. Heat cramps mostly occur in the calves. Heat cramps can be alleviated by moving into a cooler environment, hydrating and trying to cool down with a fan, mist or wet, cool towel. • Heat syncope: Dehydration has set in, and it’s important to move to a cooler environment, remove excess clothing and give small amounts here c kno em
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