Hot Weather This Week Means Chances Increase for Heat-related Illness

Temperatures this week are expected to stay in the 90’s and upper 80’s.

That means the chances for those who work outdoors or anyone outside in the hot sun need to take steps to avoid becoming overheated.

Heat-related illnesses pose a significant threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with limited access to cooling resources.

Dr. Morgan Wood is an Emergency Medicine Specialist at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital.

He says being out in the sun too long can cause you to run the risk of becoming dangerously overheated.

Dr. Wood said one of the most important things that people need to do if they work outside or plan to be outside for a long period of time, is to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.

And the best thing to drink is water or power drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.

It’s also important to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions as well as those without access to air conditioning to make sure are staying cool and hydrated.

And never leave people or pets in vehicles during the hot summer months as temperatures inside vehicles can quickly reach dangerous levels even with the windows cracked open.

Dr. Wood added that if you experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke and have recovered it’s a good idea to not go back out in the heat the next day, but give yourself a couple of days to rest first.

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta recommends staying in air conditioning as much as you can during times of extreme heat and if you don’t have air conditioning at home contact your local health department to help locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.