With dangerous heat on the way experts
are warning people to be careful outdoors.
The last thing you want is to wind
up in the E-R with heat stroke!
South
Bend resident Carol Jaworski has a plan for keeping her grand kids cool
during the heat advisory. "We're gonna come to the Potawatomi Pool for both days,"
said Jaworski.
Because when the mercury rises what
doesn't feel more refreshing than a dip in the pool
Haley Bernner was at the
pool Wednesday because, "it's really hot and I want to get cooled
off."
Family Physician Dr. Ken Elek says
swimming in a pool can cool you down. "The pool temperature will tend to keep your core
temperature down." But a
swim alone can't protect you against heat stroke. "Doesn't
necessarily keep you hydrated," said Dr. Elek.
And Jaworski knows that. So she's also making sure her family limits
their time outdoors and said, "we're drinking
lots of water and maybe a little air conditioning inside time."
Exactly what everyone should be
doing in this kind of heat so you don't get sick. Dr. Elek said it's also important to know the
warning signs for heat related illnesses.
"Usually starts with a light headed
feeling like you're going to pass out." If that's all you're experiencing drink lots
of water, get inside, and get cooled off.
But anything more serious requires immediate action. "Sometimes
people act like they seem like they are having a physical stroke so they'll
have weakness or numbness or tingling on one side of their body. That is an emergency call 911," said Dr.
Elek.
Other tips to avoid an emergency? Wear loose fitting clothing and if you can stay
out of the sun.
If you are taking any medications
you also need to be careful with this heat.
Dr. Elek said some medications don't allow you to sweat normally so
you're more prone to heat related illnesses.
Read the labels and know how what you're taking will affect you.
