It’s officially summer! And our temperatures have already reached the mid 90s here in Central Texas. We’re seeing cases of heat illness and heat exhaustion in our Emergency Department at Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock. Folks are getting outside, overheating and they’re already under-hydrated and ending up in the ER. Dr. Ross Tobleman.
“Remember Water, Rest, Shade”– Dr. Tobleman, M.D. at Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock
“The combination of high heat and humidity with all this rain in Austin is tough on the body. Also, athletes who are training in the heat — summertime practice for football, track, baseball, soccer — can also make the summertime more enjoyable and help to improve a young athlete’s skills, but it can also pose added risks for those young athletes working out in the hot sun.
The normal guidelines for fluid intake are one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Also, if you’re an athlete practicing outside, you need to increase that fluid intake considerably in order to avoid heat exhaustion.
If you find yourself feeling thirsty, you’re already two liters behind what you should be drinking,” cautioned Dr. Tobleman, M.D. at Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock. “You need to stop and drink.” “Remember Water, Rest, Shade.”
Who is most at risk for heat exhaustion?
- Children under age of four
- Seniors over 65-years-old
- Overweight individuals
- Persons who are already ill or taking medications
Some additional tips for dealing with the sun’s rays:
- Drink water frequently. Avoid alcohol, coffee, sodas, and tea as these can lead to dehydration
- If possible, avoid spending prolonged time outside between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., which is the hottest time of day
- When outdoors, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
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