Oppressive heat is expected to end the work week and start the weekend.
Air temperatures will climb to the low 90s both days, with a high of 93 Friday and 92 Saturday in Emporia. Heat index readings could be as high as 107 both days, so the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the area Friday and again Saturday. Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties are under heat advisories both days from 1-8 pm. Coffey County is in Friday’s heat advisory.
On KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday, Newman Regional Health Dr. Ryan LaSota said you need to listen to your body whenever the heat is on. Heat stress can show itself in several ways, with symptoms ranging from heat exhaustion — mild fatigue or excessive sweating — all the way to heatstroke, where sweating stops, mental status or functions change and certain vital organs like liver or kidneys get affected. LaSota says things can go downhill quickly.
The first step in taking care of a heat patient is to get that person away from the heat source as quickly as possible, followed by cooling that person’s skin with a cool towel and the interior with cool — not ice-cold — water. Patients should go to the emergency room if symptoms aren’t getting better about 20 minutes after onset.
When it’s this hot outside, LaSota says it’s best to do anything strenuous in the early morning or evening hours. If that can’t be avoided, make sure to drink lots of water. LaSota says there are some studies indicating sports drinks are a good option, but those are “few and far between” — and LaSota recommends drinking one ounce of water for every pound you have. Other tips include:
*Stay away from carbonated or alcoholic drinks
*Wear light and loose-fitting clothes
*Avoid strenuous activity
*Take frequent breaks
*Stay in air conditioning or the shade as much as possible.
Stay with KVOE and KVOE.com for updates.
