With todayís high temperature forecast to be in the mid-90s, and a heat index of 100, health hazards are real.
Dr. David Templeton, an emergency specialist at Rowan Regional Medical Center, offered these tips to cope with the heat.
Temperatures above 95 degrees can are dangerous, and require special attention to staying cool and drinking sufficient amounts of fluid to avoid dehydration.
People with underlying cardiac disease will tire more quickly and stress their cardiovascular system as their body temperature rises and their body tries to cool itself.
Patients with lung disease may find that the humidity and heat cause their breathing problems to worsen.
Limit outdoor time and stop outdoor activity immediately and return indoor promptly at signs of fatigue, shortness of breath.
When indoor settings are warm or not well climate controlled, moving air will help body stay cool. Fans are helpful.
Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated beverages. Caffeine and alcohol increase the loss of fluid through urination. This can actually lead to dehydration
Do not rely on thirst alone to guide your fluid intake. The thirst drive begins to wane as we age and so older people may not feel thirsty until they are more dehydrated than younger people.
Drink enough fluid to urinate every two to three hours. If you have gone more than six hours without urinating, you need to stop activity and drink more fluid
A lack of sweat can mean significant dehydration, and absence of sufficient sweating impairs cooling and can then lead to heat exhaustion/hyperthermia
If you are on fluid restrictions for a medical condition, take extra precaution to stay indoors or limit outdoor exposure to a minimum and consult your physician for advice on proper hydration during times of extreme heat.
It is almost impossible to drink enough fluid to stay hydrated in 100-degree heat while exerting yourself continuously, so hydrate before activity, limit activity to 30-minute intervals and hydrate again while resting in a cool area between outdoor activities.
Adequate hydration must be planned. Once you are dehydrated, it is difficult to catch up.
See a doctor immediately for lightheadedness or dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath that persists after activity stops, confusion, or if stroke-like symptoms, such as visual changes, numbness or weakness in limbs or unsteadiness develop.