As Tennessee experiences a heat wave, Dr. Marshall Hall from TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville is reminding residents to be cautious of heat-related illnesses that can be fatal. On average, 1,200 people in the US die from heat-related illnesses each year, especially during heat waves in southern regions. Warning signs include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion, with a lack of sweating indicating overheating. To stay safe, Dr. Hall recommends drinking up to two liters of water per hour during a heat wave, staying indoors, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
If someone shows signs of being overheated, they should be moved to a cool area immediately and given water to drink while being misted with cool water to dissipate heat. Heat exposure has a cumulative effect, and dehydration and illness can increase the risk of heat-related illness. TriStar Skyline Medical Center has already seen numerous patients with heat-related illnesses in the ER this summer.
Dr. Hall stresses the importance of taking precautions in the heat, as heat-related illnesses can be serious and even deadly. By staying hydrated, staying cool, and avoiding the heat when possible, residents can protect themselves from the dangers of extreme temperatures. Stay safe and stay cool during this hot summer season.
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