NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A local doctor wants to advise people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
As the heat index reached 100 degrees mid-week, kids played in the fountains at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Parents like Brooks Randolph came prepared.
"They complain until we get here, and then it's the greatest thing in the world," Randolph said, "A bunch of water, and yea quesadillas from last night for lunch."
An emergency room doctor at Tristar Hendersonville Medical Center said adding flavors to water may be a good way to get kids to hydrate. So far this summer, Dr. Angela Bailey Heidel has seen a number of people in the ER for heat-related illnesses.
"They say that if you're going to lose a pound of sweat, you need to drink about 8 ounces of water," Dr. Bailey said, "If you get to the point where you're passing out, that means that your core body temperature is higher than we would like it to be, if you get to about 102, 103, 104 that gets very concerning for heat stroke."
Heat exhaustion can be prevented.
"I would like to say don't be outside in the heat of the day, nothing between 12 and 4p.m. Some try to get outside, if you want to do a walk or anything like that, early in the morning, or at dusk," Dr. Bailey said.
As kids go to camp, or have football practice, people need to be aware of heat dangers.
"Make sure they stop playing immediately if they start to have any type of headache, dizziness, nausea, passing out, anything like that, stop immediately start to drink some water try to get some cool rags or towels around their neck," Dr. Bailey said.
People suffering from respiratory issues, or the elderly, should limit exposure to under 30 minutes if possible.
