Southern California’s hospitals continue to see more and more patients coming in to treat heat-related illnesses as the region’s heatwave continues.
KNX News’ Bob Brill spoke to experts about exactly what precautions people in Southern California need to take. One expert warned of the dangers of humidity.
“Humidity really makes it a little bit more difficult for your body to cool itself by evaporation of that heat that's on your body and your skin,” said Dr. Ali Jamehdor of Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach. “So when there's humidity in the air, that evaporation part of it, which is a big part of cooling, is actually decreased and it leads to more injuries and heat-related illnesses.”
He added while people have to hydrate, too much water can be dangerous.
“Drinking too much water or other fluids (sports drinks, energy drinks, etc.) can cause a medical emergency because the concentration of salt in the blood becomes too low,” according to hydration guidance from the CDC.
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Jamehdor suggested adding sports drinks with electrolytes and salt to our diets.
It’s important to be aware that heat cramps are typically the start of a downward spiral on our bodies. If not taken care of, people can start to feel confused before suffering a heat stroke.
Young children get overheated as well, but can’t always communicate what they’re feeling.
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