Heat Indices Reach Triple Digits
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Jackson, Tenn. – As summer approaches so do scorching temperatures that health care officials say can be deadly. However, the mid ninety degree weather didn’t deter many west Tennesseeans from getting out doors. “It’s so hot I can burn! I can melt out here,” Averyion Cook said. Six year old Lakayla McCyllough also ventured outside. “I was hot at first, so I got a water, a milk shake, and a fan,” she said. According to the National Weather Service heat kills more people each year than any other weather occurrence. A fact Dr. Peter Gardner of Physicians Quality care says patients need to be wary of. “Hydrate hydrate hydrate. If you’re gonna get out of the sun try and drink 16oz for every hour you’re out there,” he said. Gardner says there are three things doctors say to look out for in hot weather like today, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the most serious heat stroke. He says heat stroke is a fatal condition that can be reversed by getting in a cool place quickly and hydrating. Gardner says the very young and very old are the people at greatest risk . “By definition a person with a body temperature over 105 and not sweating, that’s a medical emergency. That means they have lost the ability to release the heat from their body,” Gardner said. Averyion Cook says he’s thankful he was able to cool off at the T.R White pool today. “If it was hot and I didn’t have no pool I don’t know what I would do. I’d be dying man,” he said. On hot summer days Physicians Quality care says avoiding carbonated drinks and wearing light loose clothing are important. Dr. Gardner warns being outdoors for too long in excessive heat can actually shut down your kidneys. “Avoid the hottest parts of the day 10am- 3pm and this part of the country that’s probably more like 5:00 pm,” he said. Gardner says on sunny days be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. If people are too hot he says mimic body sweat by putting water on people and placing them near a fan.
