First stretch of hot weather this weekend increases chance of health problems

SEATTLE — The first stretch of hot weather this weekend will also bring higher chances of serious health problems, according to Public Health - Seattle & King County.

“When it’s hot, the number of people in King County who have serious problems like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure rises with the temperature,” the agency stated.

Groups at the highest risk of heat-related complexities include adults 65 and older, young children, people with chronic health conditions or mental illness, people who are active outside, or people who are living unsheltered.

Common medications and health conditions can also make people more sensitive to heat, including allergies and colds, thyroids, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss.

Public Health - Seattle & King County offered these tips on what to do on hot days:

• Check on at-risk family and friends.
• Stay cool by finding air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas, reducing physical activities, and limiting outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water while also limiting coffee, alcohol, or anything else that can be dehydrating.
• Never leave infants, children, or pets in parked cars since it only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems to arise, including death.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, or vomiting) and heat stroke (high body temperatures, red/hot/dry skin, a rapid pulse, confusion, or unconsciousness).

For the latest weather conditions, be sure to check KIRO 7′s Pinpoint Weather forecast, which is constantly updated at: https://www.kiro7.com/weather/

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