This week a large area of the U.S. has experienced scorching high temperatures, increasing the incident of heat stroke and dehydration. Family medicine physician Dr. Mandhir Jamwal at McLaren Oakland - Clarkston Internal Medicine explains how to stay safe in the heat.
"Hot weather is associated with an increase in heat-related illnesses including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney stones," says Dr. Jamwal.
Dr. Jamwal explains that death rates are noted to rise during and after heat waves, resulting from heat stroke and related conditions such as, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases.
How to Stay Cool
- Wear light colored, lightweight, loose fitting clothing
- Stay hydrated. Dr. Jamwal recommends the following:
- Men should drink approximately 100 ounces of water daily while women should drink approximately 64 ounces of water daily.
- Fluid intake may need to be increased based on work/exposure to heat.
- As for children, a general rule is to drink close to half an ounce of water for each pound the child weighs. For example, if a child weighs 120 pounds, they should drink 60 ounces of water daily.
- Stay out of the heat. Many communities offer cooling centers to help those without adequate cooling systems to beat the heat. To find the nearest cooling center in Oakland County visit Oakland County's listing of local cooling centers.
- Avoid outdoor activities such as exercise or mowing the lawn during the hottest parts of the day. Either wait for a cooler day or do them in the morning or evening.
Who May Be at Risk for Heat-Related Illness?
"Anyone can be at risk to health effects of heat, but some populations are more vulnerable, including pregnant people, people with heart or lung conditions, young children, older adults, athletes, and outdoor workers." says Dr. Jamwal.
If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion it is important to cool down quickly. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Heat Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramping
- Dizziness
Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience the following symptoms, you call 9-1-1 immediately.
Heat Stroke
- Headache
- Confusion
- No sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
If you think you may be at risk for heat exhaustion schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. Dr. Mandhir Jamwal is welcoming new patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamwal call (248) 922-9975 or schedule online any time at mclaren.org/clarkstonim.