WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Emergency room doctors say this extreme heat can be deadly. The elderly and the very young are especially vulnerable to heat-related sicknesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
28/22 News spoke to an emergency room doctor who says this weather can be a killer.
Temperatures have been hovering around the mid-90s for much of our area, and for some, even higher.
The bottom line for everyone: Take these temps seriously.
Robert Wren works for the Wilkes-Barre Department of Public Works (DPW). How does he deal with the intense heat?
Naked child found alone leads to parents’ arrest
"A lot of cold water. I try and stay in the shade as much as possible. But when it's this hot out there, it really doesn't bother me as long as I keep moving. The minute I sit down, it becomes a problem," Wren said.
People tell 28/22 News they all have their own way of dealing with this intense heat.
Dr. Zia Rehamn is an Emergency Room Doctor for Lehigh Valley Hospital, part of Jefferson Health. He says hydration has to be part of the equation.
"I mean, anyone, if they're not hydrating properly. But especially the elderly, young kids, as well as people with chronic medical issues, are at a higher risk," Dr. Rehamn told 28/22 News.
Dr. Rehman talks about some of the warning signs.
"Well, heat stroke is a progression of the disease. It can be life-threatening. The biggest change people can start getting confused, altered mental status, the temperatures are pretty high, around 104. The biggest is confusion," Dr. Rehman stated.
The elderly are at a high risk of medical issues for the heat.
Active adult centers like one in Wilkes-Barre provide a safe, cool place for seniors, some of whom may not have air conditioning in their homes.
"It comes on them very quickly. You need to hydrate. A lot of them take public transportation, so they are walking from the buses to the center or from high rises, take your time, hydrate," Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center Director Maria Linso explained.
Doctors say the key word for everyone is hydration.
