Expert urges proper hydration to combat scorching heat

WASHINGTON (7News) — The DMV is under a Heat Alert to start the first Monday of August, with feels-like temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees.

The cooldown from storms and impacts from Hurricane Debby won’t come until later, so experts are reminding people to take steps to protect themselves from that heat.

“Wear light clothing, like color, shorts, T-shirts, as well as a hat with a brim to protect them from the sunlight,” said Dr. Amar Athwal, a Family Physician at Kaiser Permanente. “Stay indoors as much as you can, in somewhere with air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning in the house. Sometimes it’s good to go to a neighbor’s house a library cafe, anywhere where you keep cool.”

In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are also certain foods you can eat to stay hydrated.

“Foods that can hydrate you are certainly really simply put like good juicy fruits,” said Dr. Athwal. “Watermelon cucumber, orange, strawberry, other melons like honeydew and cantaloupe are all high water content.”

HEAT ALERT | Humid Monday brings heat index values near 100 degrees

He suggests avoiding alcohol, soda, and caffeine because they can dehydrate you.

“Your best is pure water, herbal teas, coconut water, drinks with electrolytes are also good like Gatorade and such,” explains Dr. Athwal.

Also, something to keep in mind, that any medication you take might dehydrate you as well. Certain diuretics and blood pressure medication can do that.

“Sometimes, people may not feel as thirsty as they are in the heat, so it’s important to kind of have a regimented water break regularly,” said Dr. Athwal.

Finally, be aware of signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms of being overheated include cramps that present as muscle pain or spasms, arm or leg pain.

“More severe instances heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. And heatstroke can occur which is the most severe where your body temperature gets greater than 103 degrees with a red hot dry skin,” described Dr. Athwal. “Sweating actually ceases because you’re overheated and dehydrated. Your heart rate goes up and it can even lead to dizziness and confusion and passing out. But I tell my patients here at Kaiser Permanente if anything like that happens come to see us or go to urgent care or even to the emergency.”

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