Staying safe in the extreme Myrtle Beach heat

Some doctors are saying that the conditions outside right now are the most dangerous they have seen. Record-breaking blistering heat in the US, has more than 80 million Americans under heat alerts.  It’s taking a toll on families, infrastructure, and first responders with heat-related emergencies on the rise.  The heat wave isn’t just hitting the US.  Globally the earth’s hottest 16 days on record have already happened this month.

For those of us on the Grand Strand, our hottest days this week will arrive tomorrow & Friday when the heat index is anticipated to reach 108°. Heat advisories will likely be issued. Conway Medical Center is reminding people to stay cool, well hydrated, and to look out for their vulnerable family members.

Tips to help you deal with the extreme heat

Sweating is the body’s way to cool itself, but under some conditions, sweating isn’t enough. This can cause a person’s body temperature to rise rapidly. A very high body temperature may damage the brain or other vital organs. Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, outdoor workers, and people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a mental illness are at a higher risk.

Conway Medical Center has these tips to help stay healthy and cool:

• Stay indoors. Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, and public places
• Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes
• Take cool baths or showers
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun; if you must be outdoors, seek shade
• Drink plenty of fluids without sugar, caffeine, or alcohol
• If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks and drink 2 – 4 glasses (16 – 32 oz.) of fluid each hour
• Eat light, cool, non-spicy, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads
• Limit the use of the stove or oven
• Check on others such as co-workers, the elderly, and those living alone at least twice a day
• Bring pets indoors. If they must remain outside, make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water

Elevated heat and humidity will remain in the area through next week, with temperatures in the 90s for most of next week.  Conway Medical Center wants you to stay safe and take the proper precautions.  Don’t take this heat for granted and look out for yourself and others. Never, never, never leave children, disabled or elderly adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicles!

If you find yourself feeling ill or exhausted amidst the heat, seek medical help immediately as you could be dealing with a life-threatening emergency like heat stroke.