Beat the heat and hydrate as Florida temperatures rise

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Triple-digit temperatures are fast approaching, and people sensitive to the heat are already planning the best ways to stay cool.

Micah, a Cape Coral student, ran errands on Friday, saying the hot weather left him feeling drained.

"We actually had to stop into Guitar Center for like 20 minutes just for their AC. That's why we went," Micah said. "I don't like it. I might have to move out of Florida again."

Ahead of the weekend, Micah was planning to spend it at the park with some younger cousins, but now he's staying inside with the air conditioning.

" It's gonna impact my plans," said Micah. "We were gonna go to the beach, and now, I'm staying inside. I don't wanna do anything anymore."

Young kids, older adults, or anyone on medications and sensitive to heat should stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Ignoring fatigue can be dangerous, so make sure to get in the shade or to the air conditioning before symptoms get worse.

Dr. Christopher Parshall, an emergency medicine physician at Cape Coral Hospital, said the region is entering the time of year when heat cramps and heat exhaustion cases start to increase in emergency departments. He said older adults and children are the most vulnerable populations because they don't regulate body temperature as effectively as other age groups.

"Kids don't regulate as well as kind of your adults do, and then our older population gets a little bit more susceptible to heat-related illness," Parshall said.

Early warning signs include muscle cramping, soreness, excessive sweating and fatigue. More severe symptoms can include neurological deficits associated with heat stroke, which require immediate medical attention.

"If it's more severe pain, if you can't stand up because the pain's too bad, people are getting a little more fatigued, won't wake up, to the point that some people actually get terrible sunburns, they can't regulate heat as well anymore," Parshall said. He added that people who stop sweating should seek medical care immediately.

Certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Parshall said antihypertensive medications, amphetamines, and some antihistamines can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. Patients on these medications should consult their primary care doctor if they have concerns about spending extended time outdoors.

Alcohol consumption poses additional risks during hot weather. Parshall said alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and faster dehydration.

"Make sure you're drinking plenty of water in the morning, your electrolyte replacement," Parshall said. "Make sure you're mixing in some water throughout the day and not a sole focus on alcohol."

For those planning outdoor Mother's Day activities, Parshall recommends scheduling events during early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid peak heat. He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, drinking electrolyte-replacement beverages, and seeking shade or air-conditioned areas when possible.

Emergency departments are monitoring for heat-related cases among construction workers, young families, older adults, and people increasing their exercise routines as summer approaches. So far in May, no heat-related illnesses have been reported, but medical staff remain vigilant as temperatures climb.

"Major thing going into the weekend is hydration, hydration, and making sure that you stay out of sun exposure as much as you can," Parshall said.