It's a Heat Wave ... Be Prepared!

Dr. Sandra Scalzitti, internist and pediatrician with Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group, offers advice for staying safe and cool in the extreme heat.

Right now, Southeast Wisconsin is experiencing a heat wave and the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for most of the state, in addition to a Heat Advisory for eastern counties -  including Milwaukee County – through 10 p.m. today. This means that the heat index – or the temperature combined with high humidity — will make it feel like 100 to 105 degrees along Lake Michigan and up to 110 inland.

It’s important to make sure to stay safe and cool. Use common sense and remember these tips:

Stay hydrated. Dehydration happens when our bodies lose more water than they take in. The human body is made up mostly of water – about 70 percent total. Extreme heat makes our bodies work overtime to stay cool, so keeping hydrated by drinking water (not pouring it over your head) will help your body better handle the heat.

Drink before you feel thirsty. You will become dehydrated before you think you are. In normal weather, I recommend individuals drink eight to 10 8-ounce cups of water daily, and at least four more cups of water during a heat wave. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Reduce activity during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). You will still need to drink water even if you’re resting in the shade.

Wear sunscreen, as sunburns cause fluid loss and lessen your body’s ability to cool itself.

Check on those at high risk, including children, older adults and individuals on medications including medications for lung or heart conditions, dementia, nausea, parkinson’s  disease, psychiatric or emotional disorders. Watch for signs of dehydration during hot weather. Monitor their water intake and make sure they are drinking.

Check your urine. It should be colorless or a pale yellow. If it’s dark-colored, drink more water.

Stay indoors in peak heat hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). If you have to work outside, stay hydrated — drink from 2-4 cups of water for each hour you’re outside, wear loose-fitting clothes and reschedule activities for earlier/later times in the day to avoid extreme heat.

Signs of dehydration include:

• a dry sticky mouth
• thirst
• decreased urine output
• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• muscle weakness
• sleepiness or fatigue

Visit the Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group blog to find more timely, helpful information on a wide variety of healthcare topics.