If you think it is hot now, just wait. The Sioux Empire braces for temperatures to hit triple digits by the end of the week. Health experts say it's important to know what you can handle and to know the difference between symptoms.
"Typically you'd start seeing some dysfunction once your core temp reaches about 104 degrees.”
Dr. Heeyoung Wang with Avera's Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls says heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not one in the same. Let's start with exhaustion – those warning signs at first seem pretty harmless.
"You know you're hot and you just don't feel very good. You’re kind of nauseous, kind of weak," explained Wang.
But as the outdoor temperatures increase, so do your chances of exhaustion. Once you're at that point and can't find relief from the heat. Those symptoms could develop into a condition that's much worse – heat stroke.
“But once you start having some confusion, disorientation maybe either really agitate or even comatose then you kind of all into that category of heat stroke,” added Wang, “which is a little bit more severe."
That’s when heat can actually hurt your body by damaging organs and forcing them to shut down. From there, you could face costly surgeries – even death. So, how do you protect yourself and your family in the intense weather? Experts say the most important answer is simple, drink water.
"You may not feel thirst until it's a little too late. So, if you're outside and have to be exposed to the heat definitely try to make a conscious effort to drink water every so often.”
Advice to make sure your summer fun isn't cut short. Other helpful tips include wearing light-colored, loose fitted clothing and take regular breaks.
Senior citizens and young children are most at risk of heat-related illnesses. Experts suggest constant supervision of those age groups and limiting sun exposure to fewer than two hours at a time.
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