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Heatwave sparks swelling legs, dehydration and car heatstroke alerts across Europe and the US
High summer temperatures are causing a range of health issues. In Bosnia, Serbia, Romania and other Balkan countries, doctors report that heat‑induced vasodilation worsens varicose veins, leading to swollen, heavy legs. Recommended measures include regular movement, elevating the feet, cool foot baths with salt or vinegar, and compression stockings.
Dehydration is also a concern. The ISU Brașov office in Romania advises constant water intake even before feeling thirsty, avoidance of alcohol and sugary drinks, and consumption of water‑rich fruits and vegetables. Similar guidance comes from Romanian emergency services, emphasizing shade, frequent breaks and monitoring vulnerable groups.
Nutrition experts note that summer sweating accelerates loss of electrolytes, especially magnesium, which can cause cramps, fatigue and heart‑rate irregularities. Adequate magnesium intake and using well‑absorbed supplements are recommended.
Sauna use during heat waves may improve physiological tolerance to high temperatures, but specialists warn it does not replace hydration and heat‑avoidance measures.
Separate but related warnings target children left in vehicles. Moldova’s IGSU and the US Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) stress that interior car temperatures can reach 40‑50 °C within minutes, causing rapid heatstroke. They cite dozens of child deaths nationwide and urge caregivers to check cars, keep children hydrated, and avoid travel during peak heat hours.
Entities
Christian Jackstadt · GTSC (Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee) · ISU Brașov · Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations (IGSU) · Inspectoratul General pentru Situaţii de Urgență (IGSU) · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · National Weather Service · New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee · varicose veins
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] GTSC campaign advises never leaving children or pets unattended in a vehicle, double‑checking seats, and calling 911 if a child is found locked inside. wnbf.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] IGSU advises first‑aid steps: touch the shoulder, if vital signs are present suspect heat‑shock and move the person to shade. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] A body temperature of 40 °C can cause rapid heat‑shock in children. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] IGSU advises children wear light clothing and stay hydrated during hot weather. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least 14 children have died in New York State since 1990 from vehicle heat‑stroke. wnbf.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] When ambient temperature exceeds 35 °C, interior temperature of a parked car can reach 40‑50 °C. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 31 children died nationwide in 2025 from vehicle heat‑stroke. wnbf.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] IGSU recommends avoiding car trips with children between 11:00 and 17:00 and walking early morning or evening. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md