COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central Ohio will experience its first heat wave of the year this week and it's important to be aware of heat-induced cases and illnesses.
Dr. Henry Young from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said ER doctors often see people in direct sunlight and the heat for too long become overheated and dehydrated.
Dr. Young said the signs of heat exhaustion include weakness or fatigue, a fast heart rate and muscle cramps.
A more severe presentation would be heat stroke. That's when people begin feeling confused, have severe weakness, and have dry skin. Dr. Young said this is when people should seek medical attention.
The Columbus Division of Fire responded to 78 heat emergencies last summer. Of those emergencies, 44 people were taken to hospitals for treatment or evaluation.
If you are starting to feel these symptoms, he said to get out of the sun and into a shaded or cool place if you can't get inside to air conditioning. Also, drink cool liquids.
"Avoid sugary beverages because that can actually exacerbate some of the symptoms, but if that's all available then that's fine, " Dr. Young said.
"Ideally, it will be water or drinking something like a sports drink. Gatorade or Powerade or body armor because as we're sweating we're losing salt, not just water."
During this heat wave, Dr. Young said it's important to dress appropriately for the weather like wearing loose and light-colored clothing.
Columbus Public Health recommends you drink plenty of water and stay in air conditioning. If you don't have an air conditioner, use movie theaters, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar, and eat light meals.
It's also important to check on family members, friends and neighbors.
"Our very older population as well as our very young are more sensitive to changes in weather and heat exposure and so if you are in those groups or have family members that are in those groups be mindful of those individuals too," Dr. Young said.
If you plan to be outside, Dr. Young recommends wearing plenty of sunscreen.