Temperatures are set to rise significantly in the coming days and local health professionals are offering tips to help you beat the heat.
This is the time of year where heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, are a common occurrence. Temperatures in the KVOE listening area will be reaching into the low to mid 90’s over the coming weekend after enjoying mild temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s for most of the week. Heat indexes could reach between 100 to 103 degrees, this will be the hottest the air has been in 2019.
With this quick rise in heat imminent, Flint Hills Community Health Center Nurse Practitioner Anita Isbell-Graham says there are some precautions individuals need to take if they plan to be outside for an extended period of time.
Isbell-Graham says residents should also avoid exercising during midday hours. According to Isbell-Graham symptoms of heat-related illnesses can include lightheadedness, dizziness, fever, cramps and more. If you believe you or a loved one begin to experience any of these symptoms it is encouraged to get into a cool area and slowly consume fluids.
If the symptoms persist longer than an hour or worsen, Emporia Fire Batallion Chief Ryan Conley says it is time to contact medical personnel or get to a medical facility. He adds individuals should not try to treat symptoms or submerge individuals into cool water to counteract symptoms as it can lead to further complications. Conley says individuals should avoid using internet-based search engines to treat or diagnose symptoms as internet content can be misinformed or misleading.
For more information on heat-related illnesses click here.
