WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderSwedishAmerican staff offer tips on heat safety

By Michael Peppers

ROCKFORD-(WREX)

The ER staff at SwedishAmerican hospital wants to give a heads up about how to stay safe during the oncoming heat wave. 

They've recently had to deal with cases of heat exhaustion after many people lost air conditioning in Monday's storm.

"Fatigue, headache, muscle cramp, that kind of stuff," said SwedishAmerican physician assistant Eric Joseph, describing the symptoms of heat exhaustion.  

"That can be treated at home with getting out of the heat and fluids, electrolyte fluids and that kind of stuff. However if untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency," said Joseph. 

Joseph says it doesn't take long for heat exhaustion to turn into heat stroke. That's why he urges most people to stay in doors for the next few days. For those who work outside for a living, Joseph says there are still a few practical things that need to be done to stay safe in the heat.

"I recommend wearing a hat, light color or loose fitted clothing, frequent breaks from the heat, and the most important thing is staying well-hydrated," said Joseph.

Playing in the water and swimming is also a common way to stay cool, but there is one thing that can be overlooked when splashing around.

"When we're out swimming, we're actually exerting ourselves," said Joseph.  "We are sweating in the water even though we don't realize it.

Joseph says common sense will help you avoid most issues, but you also need to know your own body.

"If you feel yourself feeling funny, get indoors and just hydrate, hydrate, hydrate if you feel yourself thirsty, in our mind, your already getting dehydrated," said Joseph. 

Whether you plan to do strenuous work over the next few days or not SwedishAmerican staff says it's important to drink water before you feel thirsty or hot.  It is also recommended  that people use lotions with an SPF of at least 35 or 40.