Experts are saying our area is experiencing a heat wave right now, and with that comes heat-related illnesses. Understanding the symptoms of those illnesses can actually be lifesaving.
The current temperatures impacting the area are causing doctors concern. They say many people ignore the symptoms.
“Heat exhaustion starts out usually with being fatigued, and you can get a little bit of heart racing or palpitations, a little bit of sweats, and then you stop sweating. That means things are getting worse, obviously,” said Dr. Thomas Chmelicek, the Urgent Care Divisions Chief at Renown Health. “Then you start feeling cold and get really dizzy and lightheaded, and that's moving more into the heatstroke side of things.”
Dr. Chmelicek says heat stroke can actually lead to death because it is a significant strain on the heart and lungs.
At first, the symptoms are similar to those for heat exhaustion, but also include dizziness, fainting, and chest pressure.
“If you're at that level, you really do need medical care. You're past just having an extra drink of Gatorade to get better,” he says.
He says prevention is the key to staying healthy, and that can be done by keeping up on hydration and understanding the need to sometimes stop and take a break. Another step is cooling down.
“Often we wet down our clothes, you know, we'll actually put a wet layer, so that when we're riding, it'll keep us cool,” said Paul Bradicich, who spent the morning biking a trail.
Sunburns and heat exhaustion can also go hand in hand, so Dr. Chmelicek says to wear sunscreen and to keep your skin protected with hats and longer clothing.
