Heat cramps and heat stroke are typically big issues in Southwest Florida due to our hotter-than-hot weather down here. But something this season has been worse than usual.
From May through July, the Lee Memorial Hospital System has seen a 48 percent increase in heat-related emergency room visits compared to the same time last year.
The hospital system is advising people (especially young children and adults over the age of 65) to be more on the look out for signs of heat exhaustion, which can lead to the more-serious heat stroke:
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness and fainting
- Headache
- Muscle or abdominal cramps
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
Of course, seek shade or air conditioning and drink plenty of water if you start to show any of these signs.
If you are going outside for an extended period or planning on exercising, do keep these few things in mind.
And, just keep saying to yourself, “Only a few more weeks until fall.”
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