Hot summer coming

Written by Dr. Aisha Harris, with featured photo generated by L. M. Land via AI copyrighted

Was the last heat wave hard for you? A heat wave can be a time where there is extreme heat
and a period of abnormally hot temperatures for multiple days. Usually, the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

As our climate and environment shifts there will be more extreme temperature days and
periods. It is important to be prepared and aware of the weather status and changes so you
can better equip yourself with the right resources and steps.

When the next heat wave comes, because there will be another one, you should know about the recommendations to do before you experience a heat wave and what you should do during a heat wave.

Heat waves can not only cause heat related illnesses, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, but they can also exacerbate mental illness, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease
and more.

Heat waves can stress our health system because of more emergency medical needs and higher hospitalizations.

Before a heat wave you should be in the habit of checking the weather forecast so you can
stay informed. You should be prepared to adjust your schedule to decrease your outdoor
activities and do them when it’s cooler, if possible. Additionally, having a plan to stay in cooler environments, being aware of cooling centers and having plenty of water is essential before a heat wave occurs so you have a better heat wave experience.

During a heat wave outside of seeking air conditioned spaces and buildings and limiting time outdoors, it is important to personally keep yourself cool. You can help keep yourself cool by dressing for the heat and wearing loose fitting and light weight clothes, as well as using wet clothes on your skin.

Water intake and hydration are important every day, but during a heat wave drinking water
regularly and even the you don’t feel thirsty is helpful. Avoiding sugary and alcoholic drinks is good too – because they can make you more dehydrated overall.

There are different types of heat related illness.
– Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms that can happen often in the legs and stomach.
– Heat exhaustion symptoms include weakness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, nausea and vomiting.
– Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature over 103F, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Do not ignore heat-related symptoms. If there is concern for a heat stroke. call 911 and seek medical care immediately. Heat-related illness can be very serious and should not be ignored.

To prevent heat-related illness stay cool, stay hydrated and stay aware of the extreme heat
status and local resources.

Dr. Aisha Harris, MD, is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at
Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.

Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.