Many who want to stay in the sun use other protective alternatives like sunscreen and umbrellas.
FAYETTEVILLE -- Warm weather means fun in the sun for many people, but it also means a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. And with the recent rise in temperatures, some emergency rooms are seeing increases in the number of those cases.
For the Smith family, trips to Fantasy Lake are a warm weather pastime. And though the heat poses a risk for sunburn and heat exhaustion, they aren’t too worried. “My mom tells me to put sunscreen on like every hour,” said Julian Smith.
In the past few days, the blistering heat has broken record highs all across North Carolina. Raleigh has even recorded new highs on three straight days – two of those broke 100 degrees.
With those temperatures, some emergency rooms like the one at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center are seeing increases in the number of patients coming in with heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Jason Collins estimates he’s seen about 10 percent more patients lately with heat-related symptoms. “Typically fatigue, nausea, vomiting, just muscle aches,” listed Collins. “These are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.”
Warm weather means fun in the sun for many people, but it also means a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. And with the recent rise in temperatures, some emergency rooms are seeing increases in the number of those cases.
There are some common sense remedies. Collins says you can keep yourself out of the emergency room by staying out of the heat as much as possible, and by staying well hydrated.
The elderly are particularly prone to heat problems.
“Oftentimes they are on a fixed income,” Collins said. “They may not have air conditioning or may not be able to afford it.” So he recommends keeping a close eye on them during hot weather.
And heat exhaustion isn’t the only condition caused by warmer weather. Some people also suffer from heat stroke, which brings about mental status changes in addition to the heat exhaustion symptoms. There’s also heat edema, which causes swelling of the extremities. Heat-related cramps and muscle spasms are also common.
He says that if you notice the onset of any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, you should get out of the heat and try to re-hydrate. If you can’t keep down any fluids, he says you should see a doctor.
Many who want to stay in the sun use other protective alternatives like sunscreen and umbrellas.