Dangerously high temperatures prompt warning from health experts

Medical City Healthcare ER physician provides tips to prevent heat-related illness

Dallas, Texas — A dangerous North Texas heatwave has Medical City Healthcare experts urging precautions as sizzling triple-digit temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Heat-related emergency cases have increased by nearly 30% across Medical City Healthcare over the previous week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illness, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, sends more than 67,000 people to the ER annually, with more than 700 deaths. Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related injury and requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

To help North Texans prevent illness in high temperatures, Medical City Healthcare experts recommend these tips:

• Stay informed of local weather news and heat alerts
• Go outdoors only when necessary and avoid being outside or doing a strenuous activity during the hottest time of day
• Take frequent breaks when outside
• Stay hydrated, start drinking fluids before going outdoors and drink often throughout the day
• Dress in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Remember to check on at-risk family members, friends, neighbors and pets

Physical and health conditions, age and other factors may affect how the body copes with heat. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Racing heart
• The absence of sweating
• Flushed skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Throbbing headache
• Changes in speech or behavior, including confusion, agitation, seizures and coma

Medical City Healthcare medical experts recommend people call 911 or visit the nearest ER if someone is exhibiting the symptoms of heatstroke. Learn more about how to stay cool and avoid heat-related illness.