Medical Professionals Warn of Effects of Excessive Heat During Summer Months

In Brief:

Local hospitals are bracing for a surge in patients due to excessive heat and high humidity levels, which heighten the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and pregnant women are at increased risk.
Dr. Erik Petersen advises taking preventive measures like wearing appropriate clothing, staying indoors, using air conditioning, and recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion to stay safe.

With significant threats of excessive heat looming over Florida in the coming days, local hospitals are preparing for a potential influx of patients suffering from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.

The primary cause of concern is the high humidity levels, which, when combined with rising air temperatures, create dangerously hot conditions.

“We tend to set aside the dangers of heat when we don’t hear about extreme or record-breaking temperatures, but with high humidity, the heat index can sneak up on people and have just as big an impact,” explained Dr. Erik Petersen, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital.

The heat index measures the “feels-like” temperature when humidity is combined with air temperature. This measure is significant in regions like Florida, where high humidity can make the temperature feel significantly hotter than it is.

Dr. Petersen says certain groups are particularly vulnerable to high heat index levels. These include the elderly, young children, those with chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions, outdoor workers, and pregnant women. “Older adults retain more heat and their cardiovascular systems often have a harder time compensating, while children tend to take longer to sweat and acclimate to an elevated heat index,” Dr. Petersen noted.

Dr. Petersen advises wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, staying indoors, taking breaks in air-conditioned areas, and using sunscreen to help combat the heat.

Medical professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing and promptly addressing heat exhaustion symptoms, including heavy sweating, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. If someone exhibits these symptoms, the person should be moved to a cooler location, preferably an air-conditioned space or at least a shaded area. Drinking water and taking a cool bath can also help reduce body temperature. If symptoms worsen or do not improve promptly, seeking medical help immediately is crucial.