CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – With high temperatures for the latter part of this week expected to hit above 100 degrees in the Tennessee Valley, Parkridge Health System’s Dr. Eugene Ryan would like to remind everyone to be heat-smart and take proper precautions to minimize the risk of developing dangerous conditions such as dehydration, heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Drink water – lots of it. “Make sure you drink water before, during, and after any outdoor activities,” recommends Dr. Ryan. “It’s a good idea to take in about a quart of water per hour. Don’t wait until you are actively thirsty to start hydrating yourself – thirst is one of the first signs of mild dehydration.” Other symptoms of mild dehydration include joint or muscle pain, lower back pain, and constipation.
- Dress appropriately. “Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a hat or other headcovering when you are outside for extended periods of time,” says Dr. Ryan.
- Whenever possible, avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. “If you need to get out and do yardwork or if you like to run outside, try to accomplish these activities in the morning or early evening when temperatures tend to be a bit lower,” suggests Dr. Ryan.
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illness. “Extended exposure to heat can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat,” notes Dr. Ryan. “People who are experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler location and given fluids. Cool damp cloths applied to the skin may also help cool the body.”
- Watch out for severe dehydration. “Severe dehydration is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention, as it is a condition that can result in cardiac arrest or stroke,” advises Dr. Ryan. Symptoms include vomiting, extreme thirst, confusion, and a lack of sweat.
“By taking appropriate precautions, people in our area can stay healthy and heat-illness-free all summer long,” says Dr. Ryan. For more information about staying safe in extreme temperatures, visit ParkridgeMedicalCenter.com and click on “Your Health” to access the online health library.
Parkridge Health System is a multi-campus facility which includes Parkridge Medical Center, Parkridge East Hospital and Parkridge Valley Hospital. Parkridge Medical Center, the main campus on McCallie Avenue, is an Accredited Chest Pain Center which offers comprehensive acute care services including cardiology, oncology at The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, complete surgical services including the first robotics surgery program in the region, award-winning orthopaedics, and a 24-hour Emergency Department. Parkridge East Hospital, located in East Ridge, provides the best in obstetrics including Neonatal Intensive Care as well as surgical services that include robotics, orthopaedics, and advanced gynecological procedures. Parkridge Valley, the system’s behavioral health facility, offers mental health services for children, adolescents and adults as well as treatment for addictive disorders. We are a family of hospitals for your family. To learn more, visit www.ParkridgeHealth.com or contact MedLine at (423) 622-6848.