FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – As much of northeast Wisconsin battled high heat indexes on Wednesday and Thursday, doctors are expressing concern and providing safety tips on how to manage during the heatwave.
Dr. Nathan Larsen is an Emergency Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Medical Center-Fond du Lac. On Wednesday, Dr. Larsen shared advice on staying safe in high temperatures, specifically pointing out people who are at high risk for heat-related illnesses, while mentioning symptoms.
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“Heat emergencies are real; they can happen and sneak up on you,” Dr. Larsen said.
Even though it’s rare, Dr. Larsen said heat stroke can be life-threatening, and people must take action to prevent it.
“Heat stroke is fairly rare, but it’s a true medical emergency and can be life-threatening,” Dr. Larsen said. “It’s an extreme form of heat-related illness; it’s a spectrum from mild sun exposure to exhaustion or heat stroke.”
The most extreme form, according to Dr. Larsen, is when people stop sweating and can’t even cool down; typically, the body temperature goes above 103 degrees.
Dr. Larsen emphasized hydration as a key piece of staying safe during high heat, also mentioning other tips for those who may work or exercise outside.
“Try to do so earlier in the morning or later at night to stay out of that heat,” Dr. Larsen said. “You need to be pushing fluids before you feel dehydrated.”
Dr. Larsen also mentioned that some people with specific diseases or those who take specific medications might develop heat-related illnesses quickly.
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A common form of antidepressants, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), are among the medications that could increase dehydration, especially in warmer weather, according to the CDC.
Click here for some tips from ThedaCare on staying cool in the heat.
