PEORIA, Ill. – A doctor at OSF Healthcare says there are ways to beat the heat over the weekend and the early part of next week.
A Heat Advisory is in effect until Tuesday, with temperatures in the mid-90s and heat index values as high as 106. The city of Peoria says cooling stations are available in the lobby of the Peoria Police Department at 600 SW Adams from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., as well as all Peoria Fire Department stations from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
OSF Chief Medical Officer Doctor Brian Curtis says the best way to beat the heat is to stay indoors in a cool location. But adds that if you have to be outside, one should avoid the hottest times of the day, which is typically from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Other ways Curtis says to keep yourself cool outside to drink plenty of water, including before going outside to reduce the risk of dehydration. He also suggests people wear loose fitting clothing.
Curtis says for those not properly prepared to be outside, symptoms of heat exhaustion could set in rapidly.
“They’re profusely sweating, they’re bright red, they can’t keep cool, they maybe getting a little bit confused, muscle cramps, that’s kind of that first stage,” Curtis said.
Curtis says that can lead to heat stroke, where a person is not sweating or alert with a body temperature over 104 degrees, and requires immediate medical attention. He says another concern is sunburn, with the UV index causing quick burns.
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