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The “ Dog Days of

Summer"

The heat didn't creep up on us in the Various factors can increase your risk: age, By Michelle Avola-Brown
transition from spring to summer this year. chronic illness, some medications, and being Executive Director of Naples Pathways
The sauna switched to maximum heat, and overweight, among others. Young children and Coalition
never looked back! At this point in the older people cannot regulate their body
summer, I'm definitely over it. Newer year- temperature as effectively as healthy younger Cooling towels draped across the back of
round residents and even those who've adults. Chronic illnesses, including hypertension, your neck and peppermint oil across your
been sweating through the summers for diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, also increase a forehead, the back of your neck, and wrists
person's vulnerability to heatstroke. Medications
decades need to be cautious with the heat. like beta-blockers, those used to treat allergies also help cool you down. Covering up with
and seizures, stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a
It may seem impossible not to sweat in and even caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate the vented hat is also essential. Jumping in a
Florida, but when you become overheated effects of heat. Having a BMI (Body Mass Index - pool or splashing at the beach are great
past a certain point, that is exactly what a person's weight in kilograms divided by the ways to cool off, too!
happens. Perspiring is our body's square of their height in meters) over 25 can also
mechanism to keep us cool. When your increase complications from high temps. With kids returning to school soon, be sure
body is exposed to heat for an extended they have a refillable water bottle for their
time, it loses the ability to sweat. If you are Many may be used to Florida's heat and ride or walk home. If they participate in
unable to sweat, it can get dangerous humidity. However, August and September bring outdoor after-school activities, extra
quickly. Kids have a lower sweating capacity the season's highest temperatures and sauna-like hydration, a cooling towel, and a personal
compared to adults. Because they sweat conditions. Even the most seasoned and savvy of fan would help. Talk with coaches and
less overall, their bodies do not dissipate us must take precautions. supervisors about allowing extra breaks and
heat as efficiently as adults. Kids running It's important to limit our time outside between 11 having cooling tubs on hand, especially if
around outside playing may not realize how a.m. and 4 p.m. and avoid direct sun as much as they use heavy pads or equipment.
hot they are. Adults need to keep a careful possible. Vigorous activities like running, biking,
eye that their children don't get overheated. rollerblading, pickleball or other sports, yard work, We can make the most of these "dog days"
carrying heavy loads, and other similar chores are of summer and safely enjoy our hot, sunny
Heatstroke is the next stage that comes best done before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. paradise, but we must pay attention to our
when your body cannot regulate its bodies. Stay well – and cool!
temperature. This inability can be fatal, To reduce your risk, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,
especially if you ignore early warning signs. and not only during the activity. Drink extra fluids For more information about Naples
Heat exhaustion manifests as dizziness, the day before planned exertion in the heat. Pathways and their keystone projects, the
nausea, vomiting, fatigue, heavy sweating, Water is good, but alternating a low-sugar Paradise Coast Trail and Hands-Free Florida,
and headache. The warning signs of electrolyte drink like Pedialyte, G2, or Powerade please visit our new website at
heatstroke, which can make you Zero has the added benefits of providing sodium, www.NaplesPathways.org.
potassium, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.
unconscious, are muscle cramping, most
commonly in the arms, legs, and stomach,
fast heartbeat, vomiting, flushed skin,
headache, crying with no tears, and mental
confusion. Sometimes, symptoms don't
occur for several hours after returning to air
conditioning and hydrating.

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