Medical professionals give heat safety tips

Medical professionals are giving tips to keep residents safe amid blazing temperatures. Dr. Robert Chin, the chief of emergency medicine at Woodhull Hospital, says that it is best to stay indoors as

News 12 Staff

Jul 22, 2015, 3:09 AM

Updated 3,427 days ago

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Medical professionals are giving tips to keep residents safe amid blazing temperatures.
Dr. Robert Chin, the chief of emergency medicine at Woodhull Hospital, says that it is best to stay indoors as temperatures skyrocket, despite the fact that many have no choice if they work outside.
Chin says about 30 patients were treated on Monday for heat-related illnesses.
"You might just feel faint, weak, maybe some nausea," says Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Robert Chin. "You may notice that your skin is getting dry, it's hot or maybe a clammy feeling and in more severe stages, actually you can become confused and disoriented."
Seniors, children and people with pre-existing medical conditions are most susceptible to heat-related illness. Symptoms include clammy skin, high body temperature and, in severe cases, disorientation.
Experts say it is best to stay hydrated with water or sports drinks.
"The key really is to keep hydrated when you're outside, carry a bottle of water with you and, you know, keep taking sips as you go through your day," says Dr. Chin. "Some people think that a cold beer is the right answer but actually that will make things worse."
When indoors, air conditioning is recommended because doctors say a fan just blows around hot air and does not cool down the body.