Avoiding Heat-Related Illness as Temperatures Climb

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tuesday, the Shelby County Health Department stated concern for the very young, elderly, and people who suffer from certain medical conditions, as they tend to be at a greater risk for harm during the extreme heat.

With a high temperature Tuesday at the century mark, Dr. Helen Morrow, acting Health Officer for the Shelby County Health Department, said you need to pay attention and heed little known warnings.

Dr. Morrow said this extreme heat coupled with intense humidity is not just dangerous, it's deadly.

She said drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and limit outdoor activities. She added that beverages with caffeine should be avoided.

Also, pay attention when your body starts giving you important signs of heat related illness.

"Some of the early signs are very non-specific," she said. "You may have a headache, you may have nausea, you may have some muscle cramping or weakness."

With triple digit highs expected throughout part of this week, Dr. Morrow reminds us that this heat is nothing to play with. In Shelby County, three heat-related deaths have been reported.