I just got back from my Nephew's wedding in Philadelphia where it was raining every day (Tues-Thurs) then, amazingly, cleared up for the wedding on Friday. The weekend was gorgeous, with humidity abut 30%...which almost never happens. That has ended for them now with winds from the south. Back here in Florida, the heat is on...literally! We were hit by a blast of hot air getting off the plane on Sunday. Yesterday, out neighbors had two guys putting on a new roof. It must have been a blast furnace up there and they didn't last long...but we could learn a thing of two watching them drink plenty of water and taking frequent breaks.
The heat index will again climb into the triple digits today and doctors warn there are dangers that come with the brutal heat. Our partners at CBS12 spoke to Doctor Jaime Snarski, an emergency room physician at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, who said it’s crucial to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She says a big red flag is if you stop sweating or feel mentally-off like dizzy and/or confused. “Heat exhaustion is basically when you’re overheated and profusely sweating; you have your heart racing and then when you get altered mental status that’s when its actually heat stroke. You can vomit, ultimately that can lead to seizures, coma and death so its very serious,” she said. Other symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache, red, hot, and dry skin as well as muscle weakness or cramps.
Snarski said if you experience any symptoms of heat stroke to seek medical attention right away. In the meantime, as you wait for help to arrive, she says it’s important to work on cooling the person down by applying ice packs to the face, under arms, and groin area. Children and the elderly are most at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Snarski recommends wearing loose fitting clothing and sunscreen, staying hydrated, and if possible avoid being outside for long periods of time between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.