By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The heat isn't stopping anytime soon it seems and with the excessive heat comes the danger of heat-related illnesses.
St. Joseph Health Department Clinic Supervisor Holly Leslie says the two major heat-related illnesses the clinic sees are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Leslie says while the danger of heat exhaustion is still high, it is the least severe of the two.
"If you have those symptoms of the clammy skin and the coldness and pale, the sweating and the muscle cramps, those are clinically heat exhaustion," Leslie tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Heat stroke, however, is much more severe and is considered a medical emergency. Leslie says you need to pay attention to the symptoms.
"The strong pulse, the headache, the dizziness, those very clinically significant symptoms," Leslie explains. "It is best that you then seek medical treatment."
Leslie says everyone sweats, but you will know you're in a danger zone when things begin to feel different.
"When you're outside and you start to feel cool and clammy, that's a red flag, if you start to be dizzy or have changes in vision, confusion, any of those, those are very big red flags," Leslie says. "The problem with heat related illnesses is that there is no middle ground, it is very much so either you're doing ok or you're having these very big issues."
Leslie says she sees a number of people not taking these high temperatures seriously enough.
"They think oh I've done this before you know this isn't that bad or a lot of times, they say oh I've drank plenty of water," Leslie points out. "Well unfortunately, no matter how much water you drink it doesn't necessarily guarantee that you are going to be safe."
She says another problem is young people not taking things seriously, thinking they won't be affected.
"Heat related illnesses only affect really young people or really old people I've never been sick, I'm healthy," Leslie explains. "Heat doesn't care, heat does not care who you are or where you came from, it will affect you regardless."
Leslie says if you are out in the heat to be sure to stay hydrated with water, not alcohol, soda, or Gatorade, and wear lightweight clothing.
The weather service forecasts a high of 88 today, 95 with a heat index of 102 Thursday, and 96 on Friday.
There is no let-up expected next week with a high of 99 forecasts for Monday and Tuesday.