Doctor Issues Warning As Region Braces For Heat Wave
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - You know all the sayings, the heat is on, the mercury is rising, it's going to be a hot one.
Well, in 24 hours, those sayings will be fact.
The sun is already heating up over Pittsburgh.
Today begins a stretch of 90 or 90-plus degree days, entering us in an official heat wave.
In the world of weather, the forecasted heat wave is all the buzz.
But, with this kind of heat, heat stroke and other related illnesses are extremely common. The elderly and the very young are at high risk.
Allegheny Health Network Emergency Medicine Chair Dr. Tom Campbell said your body will let you know when something isn't quite right.
"Extreme sweating, extreme thirst, fatigue, feeling like you're going to pass out, those are all bad signs that you have been out too long. You need to get cool, drink, go inside for at least an hour," Dr. Campbell said.
That applies for those who are working outside in the heat. If you fall into that category, take a break, take a sip and sit in the shade.
On average in the United States, nearly 40 children die of heat stroke. Many of them are left in a hot car.
So, never leave anyone or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle as temperatures inside can exceed 100 degrees.
"Use a buddy system so you can keep an eye on others and drink plenty of liquids. If you have to be out in the weather, good time to exercise inside, going to the mall and keep an eye on neighbors who might be shut in," Dr. Campbell said.
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