Tips for preventing heat-related illnesses

With record-breaking temperatures expected in the Northeast and hot and humid conditions in the South, heat-related illnesses are to be expected. UAB emergency medicine doctors have tips to stay safe.

Andrew R. Edwards, MD, FACEP, associate professor of emergency medicine, says with the higher temperatures comes a greater need to focus on staying safe. He offers these tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, alcohol and caffeine do not count, they will dehydrate you, stick with water or sports drinks
• If you must be outside, try to stay in the shade and monitor activity
• Keep an eye on perspiration, if you stop perspiring, get more fluids immediately
• Remain inside if possible, but avoid extreme temperature changes

If you start feeling light-headed or dizzy, this is a sign a heat-related illness is imminent. Get somewhere cool and immediately get fluids into your system.

Source: UAB