Stay cool during summer’s dog days

As the mercury rises across the country, people should stay cool and hydrated if they are going to be outside. The parade of weekend warriors treated in emergency rooms for hot weather-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion is increasing, physicians report.

“In the past, the typical people we saw were the ones who couldn’t fend for themselves — the very young and the very old,” says Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Now, young men and women who work in super-cool office environments and spend the weekends playing outdoors are getting into trouble because their bodies haven’t had a chance to adapt to the hot weather.”

If you’re going to be outdoors during triple-digit days, Dr. Pepe offers these tips:

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing;
• Stay in a well-ventilated area, even if you’re working indoors;
• Water, water, water. Too much sugar and caffeine is not good if you’re outdoors;
• Avoid alcohol — a cool beverage might sound good but it only dehydrates you more and impairs your ability to recognize danger signs;
• Use a buddy system so that you can keep an eye on each other.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/emergency to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in emergency medicine.

Media Contact: Connie Piloto

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