Staying healthy in the heat

Dr. Geoffrey S. Hirsowitz of Harvard Vangaurd recently chatted about how to keep yourself healthy during a heat wave. Here is the transcript.


Dr. Hirsowitz: Hi everyone. I'm Dr. Hirsowitz. I'm a Cardiologist at HVMA. I'm glad to be here and answer all of your questions on heat exposure and heat related illnesses.
Dr. Hirsowitz: That's a very good question. The warning signs are heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomitting and feeling faint.

BUSteph07: Why are elderly people more vulnerable to the heat?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Frequently there are coexistent medical conditions that make for difficulties in body heat control. This is particularly in people with heart disease, lung disease and different medications that can aggrevate predispositon to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Morgan: How do I know if I am drinking enough water?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Never wait to feel thirsty. If it's hot, you should drink more and particularly if physically active. Usually on an extremely hot day, you need to be drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you have to exercise, you need to be drinking more than the recommendation is at least 2-4 glasses of water an hour while being active.

StayingCool: I'm young and love the beach and sunshine. Is it bad for my health to sit at the beach all day on hot days like yesterday, even if I cool off in the water occasionally?
Dr. Hirsowitz: I think the important thing is to protect yourself from the sun with shade if possible and ensure plenty of sunscreen. Also, drink fluids without restriction. Best not to be out in the mid-day sun. Also, sun exposure has other health risks that you should be mindful of.

Christopher: Is it better to drink water or an electrolyte drink on a hot day?
Dr. Hirsowitz: It depends on how much sweating you're doing. You loose sodium when you sweat excessively. I would recommend a mixture both water and sports drinks to ensure adequate hydration. In people who have heart conditions and have been advised by their doctors to limit their salt consumption, sports drinks might be problematic. They should consult their doctor. Fruit juices are not a good idea and avoid alcohol. debbie: what is the best way to stay cool if I do not have central air
Dr. Hirsowitz: A fan can make you feel more comfortable but doesn't prevent heat emergencies in very high temperatures. Ensure that you're dressed in light and loose fitting clothing, wear a hat if you're outside and visit a neightbor or spend time in public places such as malls where there is air conditioning. Take cool showers.

Morgan: What is heat stroke?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Heat stroke is the most serious of heat related illnesses. It occurs when the body is unable to control it's temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly. The swaeting mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can be life threatening and is a medical emergency.
Dr. Hirsowitz: Warning signs:
Dr. Hirsowitz: Extremely hot body temperature- above 103 degrees F
Dr. Hirsowitz: Skin is hot and dry
Dr. Hirsowitz: headaches
Dr. Hirsowitz: dizziness
Dr. Hirsowitz: nausea
Dr. Hirsowitz: confusion
Dr. Hirsowitz: and unconsciousness

Kathy: When you are really hot is it better to drink ice water or room temp water? Or does it not matter? And how much water should you be drinking?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Best to drink cool water- Icey water can cause stomach cramps. You should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.

BUSteph07: How can I help elderly relatives avoid heat sickness?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Facilitate air conditioning if possible, make sure they're drinking enough fluids and checking on them at least twice a day during a period of high heat. If concerned, you can also look into local health services in terms of emergency air conditioned facilities.

Christopher: When drinking alcohal on a hot day, what is the best way to ensure a safe night and does alcohal have a greater affect on hot days?
Dr. Hirsowitz: We reommend avoiding alcohol. Alcohol can lead to fluid depletion and dehydration and is the basis for heat related illnesses.

StayingCool: My fiance is on a diuretic for his high blood pressure so that he doesn't retain water. Is that okay during really hot weather or should he ask his doctor about dangers of dehydration?
Dr. Hirsowitz: This is an important question to discuss with his physician. Diuretics rid the body of sodium and water and in high heat conditions, this can be a problem in development of dehydration.

catem618: What about soda? Coke always quenches my thirst. Can I drink that to cool off on a hot sunny day?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Coke is okay.

catem618: I thought wearing a hat kept a lot of heat inside your body, making you even more vulnerable to overheating. Isn't a visor better?
Dr. Hirsowitz: A wide-brimmed hat keeps the temperature down and you would be more comfortable. catem618: Is it unhealthy to go from one extreme to another? I.e. jump into a freezing cold pool after basking in 100+ degree heat?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Not if you're young and healthy.

debbie: If I am doing a long run and stop sweating should I stop running?
Dr. Hirsowitz: Not if you're feeling okay, but it does tell you that you need to rehydrate yourself.
Dr. Hirsowitz: Thank you everyone for your great questions. Enjoy your summer!