To beat the summer heat and avoid heat- related illnesses, it’s important to stay well-hydrated, especially on days when heat and humidity are high, says Ivan Miller, MD, Director of Emergency Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and MidHudson Regional Hospital, all members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).
When the temperatures soar, Dr. Miller recommends monitoring infants and young children, elderly adults, the infirmed and people who work outside, as they are most at-risk. According to Dr. Miller, there are three types of heat emergencies caused by high temperatures.
Heat Cramps, which include cramping of the abdominal, arm and leg muscles.
Heat Exhaustion, which causes profuse sweating, nausea and muscle cramping.
Heatstroke, the most dangerous condition, marked by soaring body temperature.
For heat cramps and heat exhaustion, Dr. Miller advises: “immediate hydration, moving to a cool place and considering emergency medical evaluation, to be on the safe side. In the case of heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, seek emergency attention immediately.”