Morning Checkup | What you need to know about heat illness INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With Indiana under an extreme heat warning into Friday, you should be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke and the damaging physical and mental effects it has on people. Who is at most risk for heat illness ? Children, especially infants. Seniors. Outdoor workers and athletes. What are the signs and symptoms of heat illness? Muscle cramps. Headache. Fatigue. Nausea. Vomiting. Rapid weak pulse. Excessive sweating. Cool, pale, and clammy skin. Feeling faint and dizziness.  What steps can we take to prevent heat illness?  Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest and most humid part of the day. Don’t exercise alone or allow children to play unattended outdoors in these high temperatures and humidity.  Take frequent breaks in the shade when outdoors.  Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and reapply every couple of hours. Chemical sunscreens are more ideal for water activities. For spray sunscreens, spray until the skin glistens and then rub it in.  Wear loose-fitting lightweight clothes such as cotton or linen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Protect smaller children with a stroller canopy or umbrella.  Drink slow sips of water throughout the day. Speak with a doctor if you’re on fluid restrictions. Avoid sugary beverages, caffeine, and alcohol. These drinks are diuretics that can impact your ability to sweat and cool yourself. Know that darker urine may be a sign of dehydration. Electrolyte replacement should be considered for certain groups such as children, seniors, athletes, outdoor workers, and those sweating excessively. Eat light foods, like fruits and salads. Keep the body cool with wet cloths around the neck or misting fans. When should you seek medical attention? If muscle cramps and heat exhaustion don’t improve within one hour of recovering in the shade, with massage of cramped muscle, slow rehydration with water and cool cloths to neck, armpits and groin, medical attention is needed. Heat stroke requires emergent medical attention. ...read more read less