OCALA, FL (352today.com) – With the recent extreme heat plaguing north-central Florida, it’s more important than ever to stay safe in the sun.
Local hospitals have seen a steep increase in heat-related injuries this year. AdventHealth emergency departments reported a 20% increase in heat-related illnesses this year compared to the previous summer. Locations in the Central Florida Division reported a 115% increase in the last two weeks alone.
Who is at risk of heat-related illness?
Dr. Max Baumgardner, medical director for AdventHealth emergency rooms across Seminole County, said these injuries span a number of demographics. The groups at greatest risk include young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
People who can’t easily seek shelter from the heat are also at high risk. This means everyone from outdoor workers to student athletes should be cautious of the potential for heat-related injury.
“We’re going to see a lot of kids in high school sporting activities pick up here in the next few weeks,” said Baumgardner, “and they’re going to want to try to work hard and push themselves, so there’s certainly a risk.”
How can I avoid heat-related illness?
According to Baumgardner, many people, especially vacationers unaccustomed to Florida summers, often think hydration is the cure to their heat exhaustion. However, hydrating is just one of many crucial steps to staying safe. Baumgardner added that wearing sun-protective clothing and seeking shade or air conditioning on an intermittent basis are equally important.
“It’s actually important to consume water in addition to other things, like electrolytes and nutrients,” Baumgardner added. “Water by itself is great, and we should all be drinking water every day, but we need to make sure that’s not the only thing that we consume.”
What are the warning signs of heat-related illness?
Warning signs that you may be suffering heat-related illness and should seek shelter as quickly as possible include headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle cramps. Additionally, if you stop sweating after a while, it could actually be a bad sign: It might mean your body has lost too much water to continue producing sweat. If this happens, try to rehydrate immediately.
“That’s the most important thing with all these heat-related illnesses—is to pay attention to your body,” Baumgardner stressed. “If you have a symptom that’s new, or different or changed, you need to try to seek shelter, and try to get out the heat and try to do things to rehydrate yourself.”