With temperatures expected to creep into the 90's this week in Pittsburgh, local doctors are warning of the increased potential for heat-related illness.
Dr. Mike Turturro, who is UPMC Mercy's Chief of Emergency Services, says when temperatures get this high, more people show up to the emergency room with heat-related illness.
"People are going about doing their normal routines," he said. "They're out exercising. They're out gardening, things that really shouldn't be done when it's really this hot out."
Turturro says young children and the elderly are typically more at risk for heat-related illness, but anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke in high temperatures.
"This is not the day to practice your marathon running at three in the afternoon," he said. "This is not the day to do your gardening in the middle of the afternoon. You should do it either later in the evening or maybe hold off for a couple days."
Turturro says the best way to prevent heat-related illness is to hydrate and stay out of the heat as much as possible.
Someone may be suffering from heat exhaustion if they're dizzy, sweating, have cold skin or are excessively thirsty. They should hydrate and get into a cool environment as soon as possible.
The more serious heat stroke may involve hot, dry skin, a rapid heart rate and changes in behavior. A heat stroke requires a call to 9-1-1 and immediate medical attention.
