Doctor Offers Advice On Staying Safe In High Heat

heat-safe
heat-safe

Keeping yourself healthy and safe in hot weather is important to remember in weather like this summer’s. Dr. Tom Waters, an emergency department physician at Cleveland Clinic, says a heat emergency is most common when temperatures rise and humidity is high. He spoke with Michigan News Network.

“It creates the right environment for an acute illness, and that can range anywhere from heat cramps to what we call heat illness or heat exhaustion,” Waters said. “All the way on the far end of the spectrum is something called heat stroke, which is an acute life-threatening emergency.”

Waters said people at greatest risk for heat illness include young children, the elderly, and people exercising or working outdoors. Early signs of a problem include heat cramps, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to cool down and hydrate.