Keys to keeping your cool: planning and hydration

As temperatures soar, people need to remember to stay cool and hydrated if they are going to be outside. Physicians report seeing more weekend warriors being treated in the emergency room for heat-related illnesses.

“In the past, the typical people who used to get in trouble were the ones who couldn’t fend for themselves — the very young and the very old,” says Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Now, young men and women who work in super-cool office environments during the week and then spend the weekends playing outdoors are getting into trouble because their bodies haven’t had a chance to adapt to the hot weather.”

If you’re going to be outdoors during summer’s triple-digit days, Dr. Pepe offers these tips to stay safe:

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
• Try to exercise early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Stay in a well-ventilated area, even if you’re working indoors.
• Water, water, water. Too much sugar and caffeine is not good, especially if you’re outdoors.
• Avoid alcohol — a cool beer or mixed drink might sound good but it only dehydrates you more and impairs your ability to know that you’re getting into trouble.
• Use a buddy system so that you can keep an eye on each other.

Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/emergency to learn more about clinical services in emergency medicine at UT Southwestern.

Media Contact: Connie Piloto

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