Memphis area to be under heat advisory. What to know about forecast, heat exhaustion
More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The elderly, the very young and people with chronic diseases, especially chronic respiratory diseases, are especially at risk for heat stroke, Dr. Jeff Mullins, a physician with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, previously told The Commercial Appeal. But anyone can have a heat-related injury during periods of sustained high temperatures.
Here's what you need to know as extreme heat hits the region.
How can I stay safe in the heat?
One of the best things you can do to avoid heat stroke is 'simply not be out in the sun in the middle of the day,' Mullins said. He also recommended doing any yard work when it's cloudy or when the sun is going down to avoid direct sunlight.
Additionally, Mullins recommended hydrating far in advance of any outdoor activities. For example, if you're planning on doing yard work on the weekend, make sure you're hydrating on Friday night.
The NWS recommended taking frequent breaks in the shade, wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Mullins advised taking a break in the shade for every hour you're outside. He cautioned against taking breaks indoors ― cooling off indoors puts stress on your body to reacclimate to the heat when you go back outdoors.
It's also helpful to drink electrolytes, he said. He recommended alternating a drink like Pedialyte for every bottle of water. If Gatorade is your electrolyte of choice, you should drink it every third bottle, because its high sugar content can be dehydrating, Mullins said.
How hot is too hot to be outside?
A healthy adult should delay outdoor activities if the heat index breaks 110, Mullins said. It could take a healthy person a few hours to become dehydrated, but for children or the elderly, it can be as short as 30 minutes, he said.
Heat index is not the same as temperature ― it's calculated with both temperature and humidity. More water vapor in the air causes more heat to be transferred to your body, he said.
Mullins recommended using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Heat and Health tracker, an online tool that allows you to enter your zip code and see your heat risk.
The NWS also warned never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during high heat.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
The most common heat-related injuries are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has been exposed to too much heat and is dehydrated. Heat exhaustion is not necessarily a crisis, Mullins said, but it can trigger other health issues like a heart attack or a stroke.
However, heat stroke is a medical emergency. The treatment is ice, hydration and rest, Mullins said.
It's important to watch for the warning signs of heat injuries. Lightheadedness is probably one of the first things a young person will notice. If you feel lightheaded after bending down, it's time to take a break, he said.
Dry skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperatures are also symptoms of heat stroke, according to the CDC.
'If you find someone that has passed out in the heat…you need to assume heat stroke,' Mullins said. 'Don't worry about whether they look like they're sweating or not, or how they feel when they wake up. If they've passed out, that's a 911 to the emergency room.'
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis heat advisory: NWS forecast, what to know about heat stroke
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