Staying Safe and Cool Amid Summer Heatwaves
While it may be tempting to soak up this central Ohio heatwave, spending time outdoors in these extreme temperatures does not come without risks.
Staying hydrated, resting and cooling off in the shade are more important now than ever. Hospitals in the area are anticipating an increase in patients visiting this week, due to the intense temperatures outdoors.
“We’ve already seen quite an uptick because of all the events around Columbus,” Bradley Raetzke, MD, OhioHealth assistant medical director of Emergency Services, told NBC4 reporter Isabel Cleary. “Things like the air show, the Pride festival. We’ve really seen an uptick in people who have actually been quite sick because of the heat.”
Feeling sick outdoors is not always related to the heat. However, Dr. Raetzke says feeling lightheaded, thirsty or tired are indicative of early signs of heat injury. More serious signs include being unable to sweat or beginning to have feelings of nausea and vomiting.
For every 10 to 15 minutes of outside movement, you should be drinking 12 to 16 ounces of water to combat heat related illness.
People most frequently come to receive care in the afternoon. These are “people who have been in construction, landscaping, and have really been outside for most of the day,” Dr. Raetzke said. With the current heatwave, staying hydrated is key to continuing on with your life, without an unforeseen trip to the doctor.
“Watch out for yourself and watch out for your family members, people may not actually understand that they’re feeling the symptoms of heat,” Dr. Raetzke said.
If you have followed the above precautions and still feel ill, please seek medical attention.
To learn more about OhioHealth Emergency Care, click here.
For more articles on summer safety and heat stroke signs, visit the links below:
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/how-to-recognize-heat-stroke-during-hot-days/?
