VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — With the weather heating up for the summer, many might flock to the Oceanfront to cool off from the heat — but heat exhaustion can still sneak up on you.
Experts say people are often unprepared for the first heat wave of the season, as we are coming out of the cool time of year. Temperatures in the upper 90s is something we have not dealt with in a while.
Dr Gordon Theisz with EVMS Family Medicine said it is important to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, including feeling nauseous, sick, or cold and clammy. Another symptom is if the person stops sweating, even if they were sweating before.
Anyone with any of these symptoms should immediately get inside to a cool area and drink plenty of water. A cold compress on the forehead can also help.
Fortunately, preventing heat exhaustion is not difficult. The biggest advice Dr. Theisz has is to drink enough water to urinate often. If the heat gets to be too much, just go inside. He also asks people to check on more vulnerable people.
“It’s a good idea to check on your elderly neighbors.” Dr. Theisz said. “And we got to remember that kids, young ones especially. They don’t have their own ability to know when they’re thirsty or when they’ve had enough. So parents have got to watch out for kids running around.”
He said water and drinks with electrolytes will help keep you hydrated and cool, while alcoholic beverages will do the opposite.
A person experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, such as confusion, dizziness or unconsciousness, is urged to call 911, according to the National Weather Service. A delay in care could potentially be fatal.
