(WXYZ) — In today’s Health Alert, summer officially arrives this weekend, and it’s bringing some extremely hot weather. We’re expecting the temperatures to soar well into the 90s.
That means certain precautions need to be taken to stay safe and well.
We love it when summer finally arrives in Michigan, but it’s important to remember that extreme heat can be dangerous.
As the temperature reaches the 90s this weekend, the heat index can rise as high as 100 degrees. This combination of heat and humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself down. And that increases the risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.
Here are some tips for staying safe in the heat:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Stay out of the direct sunlight to reduce your risk of overheating.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help your body stay cool.
- Take a break from physical activities during the hottest part of the day.
- And, check your air conditioners and fans now to make sure they are working.
So, who’s at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses, and what symptoms should we look out for?
The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions are more likely to experience heat-related issues. So, check on family members, friends, and neighbors who fall into these high-risk categories.
If you’re going to be outside, here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Heavy sweating
- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness.
These all signal that something is wrong, and you could have heat exhaustion. You should cool off in the shade or air conditioning. More severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, and slurred speech could mean a life-threatening heat stroke, and you’ll need immediate medical attention.
So, let’s all take the necessary steps to cool off and enjoy a safe and fun summer.
This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show
Is your belly making you blue? Join Dr. Partha Nandi and guest Gabby D'Auria, whose poor gut health didn't just lead to indigestion, but depression too. And, hear from Dr. Shawn Talbot about what exactly is going on in your gut and how you can improve your stomach and your mood! Tune in this Monday, June 23rd at 2:30 AM.
