Beat the Heat with Cooling Vests

Yes, summer can be hot and this can have negative effects on our bodies when we are exerting ourselves. When our core temperatures rise to dangerous levels, heatstroke or heat exhaustion can quickly develop. Also, heat can be a trigger for those suffering from multiple sclerosis. Outside of running inside for the coolness of the AC, how should we efficiently keep ourselves cool during the hot summer? That answer may be with cooling vests. Let me explain why.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Our bodies normally sweat as a way to help deal with overheating. Evaporation of sweat helps cool our bodies, but when we overheat our bodies to extremes, this evaporation is not enough. If we get too hot our bodies can suffer heat exhaustion, and if it’s not treated, heat stroke.

What are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion presents itself with symptoms that include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Excessive thirst
• Dizziness
• Slow/weak heartbeat
• Confusion/anxiety

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

Even though heat exhaustion sounds like heat stroke, they are different. Heat stroke is similar but the symptoms are slightly different and can be more serious. Some symptoms are:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Hot, flushed, dry skin
• Profound sweating
• Blood in urine/stool
• An increased body temperature (104°-106°)

While both require medical attention, heatstroke requires immediate medical attention since heatstroke can be fatal. Below is a quick chart to illustrate some differences between heatstroke and heat exhaustion:

How to Choose the Best Cooling Vests?

Since both heat exhaustion and heat stroke require medical attention, how do you tackle this dilemma efficiently? The key to treating either of these elements is to reduce the body’s core temperature. This is where the cooling vests can be your go-to treatment. Not only are cooling vests appropriate for treating heat exhaustion/stroke, but those who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) can also benefit from the cooling effect since heat can be a trigger for MS symptoms. Cooling vests work in a couple of ways. Some use water absorbing crystals that create a cooling, evaporative effect. Others use cooling packs that are worn in the vest and cool the skin on contact. Some vests can be worn in conjunction with a cooler of cold water and this water is constantly circulated throughout the vest by a pump. You can look for cooling vests from manufacturers such as Polar, Glacier Tek, and Techniche International. Each provides cooling vests that are appropriate for just about everyone, even dogs!!

Polar Cool58 Phase Change Adjustable Zipper Cooling Vest	Techniche CoolPax Phase Change Cooling Vests	TechNiche Hyperkewl Evaporative Cooling Vest

Keeping cool during hot weather not only feels good but can have health benefits. If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis or develop heat exhaustion/stroke, cooling down our core temperature is critically important. Think proactively and you can head off any potential heat-related issue that may arise!!

 

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