Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Emergency Department Director Yolanda Romanos, RN, knows when summertime weather takes its toll. That's when she sees patients with muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headaches and hot, dry skin. These are classic signs of heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body's natural cooling system -- sweating -- fails to lower body heat.

"Heat exhaustion usually happens gradually," Ms. Romanos says. "The trouble is, people sometimes ignore their bodies' signals."

A more serious form of heat-related illness is heatstroke, which may occur after a prolonged period of heat exhaustion or come on suddenly. People with heatstroke may collapse or have seizures. This is an emergency condition. They can die if they aren't treated immediately.

Ms. Romanos offers these tips for avoiding heat-related illnesses:

• Get out of the heat frequently.
• Drink water or sports drinks (not alcohol or soda) at least once every 30 minutes.
• Wear light-colored clothing and a hat.

Do You Need a Doctor?
For a free physician referral, please visit www.stmarysregional.com and click on Find a Doctor on the left side. Or, call 580-249-3741 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., or Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

305 South 5th, Enid, OK 73701 (580) 233-6100 FAX: (580) 249-3982