As scorching heat waves sweep across North Carolina, experts are urging residents and visitors to take precautions. With parts of the state facing triple-digit temperatures and excessive heat warnings, heat-related illnesses are on the rise.
Dr. Donna O’Shea, chief medical Officer of population health for UnitedHealthcare, stressed the importance of recognizing early warning signs. report from Duke Today.
“The signs of overheating do include headaches, nausea or dizziness,” O’Shea said. “It can be especially important to watch children, because their internal cooling systems aren’t fully developed yet and some of the symptoms may be missed.”
She added the risk of heatstroke increases for adults over 65, or with prolonged outdoor activity. She recommended using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly, wearing a hat and protective clothing, and drinking about four ounces of water, or roughly four big gulps, every 15 minutes spent in the heat.
O’Shea noted hospitals report seeing more patients during the summer, which can mean longer waits on hotter days. She added using telehealth services, which are accessible anywhere, as an alternative to waiting in the emergency room. told by Public News Service.
“Virtual care can help you determine how much, how long to wait before you go to the emergency room,” O’Shea pointed out. “Same thing even for sunburns, or for bike safety.”
