MEMPHIS, Tenn. — They may not be here yet, but the dog days of summer are quickly approaching, bringing the heat and humidity along with it. Doctors say this could lead to health problems if you are not careful with your kidney's and can cause your brain cells to die.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, heat-related deaths have increased over the past few years. There were 1,602 in 2021, 1,722 in 2022, and 2,302 in 2023.
“Regardless of how good of shape you’re in, the heat can affect every body,” said Dr. Ben Bowman, Methodist Germantown ER medical director.
Some weather models show most states in America will experience a summer between 1-2 degrees warmer than the average of years past. This has doctors like Bowman suggesting to get your preparations in order before dehydration turns into a heat-related illness.
“Where you can get extreme fatigue, dizziness, some people will either faint or pass out, those are all signs of heat exhaustion, potentially heat stroke, and they ought to be immediately moved to a cool area, preferably indoors if possible,” said Bowman.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.
- Heavy sweating.
- Faintness.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Low blood pressure upon standing.
- Muscle cramps.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
Being outside can be one of the most refreshing ways to spend the summer, but before you take your daily jog, plan to do it when the heat and humidity are not as intense and try sticking to the the morning or the evening hours.
“Even as early as 8 or 9 in the morning — it can be quite hot or dangerous if you’re not taking proper precautions outside,” Bowman said.
If you are looking for a cool place to hang outdoors like a splash pad, indoor or outdoor pool, ABC24 has compiled a list of options HERE.
Even when you are outside, make sure you have a way to keep yourself cool and replenish the electrolytes you may have lost due to excessive sweat. Doctors recommend having a fan or a bottle of water.
“Staying hydrated — it’s more than just having a bottle of water with you when you’re outside," Bowman said. "Once you’re out in it, you need to constantly replenish that water that you’re losing."
If you think someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, take them into the shade or indoors to help them cool down. However, if they do not feel better after 15 to 30 minutes, seek medical attention.