‘Wet heat’ puts public health at risk

Local emergency room doctors are anticipating an influx of heat-related illnesses like dehydration in the coming days with the current "wet heat."

News 12 Staff

Jul 20, 2022, 5:04 PM

Updated 780 days ago

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Local emergency room doctors are anticipating an influx of heat-related illnesses like dehydration in the coming days with the current "wet heat."
Humidity-mixed heat is worse on the body than “dry heat” because keeping cool through evaporating sweat happens much slower in humidity.
"I think the most important thing is, if you can, is to limit your exposure to the high heat environment, especially if there are chores you have to do during the week. This hot humid week is going to be dangerous for some people, so obviously wearing lighter clothing and keeping yourself well-hydrated,” says Dr. Ivan Miller, Emergency Medical Director of WMC Health.
Miller also says hydration is key to prevent a heat stroke, which can strike quick and unexpectedly.