Tips on staying safe in extreme heat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News has tips from residents braving the temperatures and a local nurse practitioner on how to stay safe in the heat.

“Hot. Humid. Sunny.” That is the way Ashley Pillion of Enfield, Connecticut described the weather.

Upwards of 90-degree temperatures rocked our area Monday. Some played with water to stay cool. “We’re hydrated and have lots of water. We went to the zoo first and ended at the splash pad so they got to cool off there... Pack some sunscreen and some water and there are some shady spots, so it’s a great place to go.” Pillion added. “I think you should probably go to some of the sprinklers, especially the water fountains and stuff, get some water on you.” Said one Springfield resident.

Others didn’t let a little heat stop them from getting their exercise: “So I already did 15 miles but I road bike, so I stop at the intersections, and I fuel up with water.” Added Mallary Anderson of Springfield.

“Everybody’s excited to get outside now because of all the rain we had, you just have to be mindful.” Said Hassan Borhot who is a nurse practitioner At Personal Primary Care and Weight Management.

He highlights the keys to staying safe in high temperatures like these and said you might want to put the cigarette, coffee, and cocktail down for now. “When you’re combining all of that bodily fluid loss that we’re seeing with sweat, electrolytes depleted, we become dehydrated, and you combine that with alcoholic beverages or diuretic like coffee or tea that can compound and can add to the complications of dehydration.”

He shared a warning with anyone who has underlying conditions to keep your body in check: “High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease these are all risk factors that are also associated with obesity, but complications can arise from heat... The concern for heat exhaustion, heat stroke are at the top of the list there for complications, so people need to be really self-aware in terms of limiting their exposure to the sun and extreme temperatures.”

Water can help, and so can shade, but a lot of heat can cause a variety issues regardless of your size or health conditions. Borhot said to look for signs of heat exhaustion. “Sort of a red flag from your body saying, hey something’s wrong here you need to take action, you’ll start to have headaches, nausea, you’ll have fleshing sensations.”

And heat stroke is another level: “You become very very sick, seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, that’s your sign to be in an emergency department.” It’s important to know the difference between the two.

Borhot mentioned that if you’re feeling heat exhaustion you should listen to your body, get somewhere cool, and drink some water