Heat Advisory: What to Do

Longest and Hottest Local Heat Wave Since Summer 2002

After a June that had record rain and water seemingly everywhere, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories yesterday for the District, Arlington County, Alexandria, Falls Church, Baltimore and parts of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Forecasters said the region will have searing temperatures near 100, heat indexes well over 100 and probably no break through the weekend.

Read More: Better Settle In For a Sizzler ( Post, July 17 )

Dr. Georges Benjamin , executive director of the American Public Health Association, was online Monday, July 17, at 1 p.m. ET to answer questions and offer advice about the effects of extreme heat conditions in the District and the nation.

A transcript follows.

____________________

Fort Washington, Md.: Should high school football teams practice at all today? What should parents do if a football practice is scheduled for outdoors for their kids' high school?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Parents should ensure their children are well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. They should talk with their children's doctor about any limits to exercising. In all cases outside exercise should occur slowly with adequate warm up. School PE teachers should be vigilant to follow the schools policy on exercise and heat.

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Also schools should limit activity to the cooler times of the day:early morning and evening.

_______________________

Lanham, Md.: Will my two-month-old grandchild have any health issues from riding in her mom's car without air conditioning if she is in the car for about 30 minutes?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: There are always concerns about young children in the heat. The child should be well hydrated, dressed in light clothes with the windows open. You might stop during the trip.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Can you get a cold from going in and out of air conditioning in this heat?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Colds are caused by exposure to a family of viruses that cause colds. The air conditioning does not directly cause this.

Dr. Georges Benjamin: I also recommend that people should cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, wash their hands frequently

_______________________

Harpers Ferry, W. Va.: I have a three-month-old baby, who loves being outside and going for walks. He tolerates a hat but he's too little for sunscreen. He is exclusively breast fed -- no water -- but I nurse him on demand. I have noticed on hot days that he nurses more frequently to keep himself hydrated. But I worry about keeping him cool without keeping him cooped up. Any suggestions?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Keeping your child well hydrated is important, usually they will drink when thirsty. Keep the head covered and limit direct outside exposure to less than 15 minutes with this extreme heat.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Although never formally diagnosed, I think I got heatstroke once while traveling in Asia. I had a high temperature, rapid pulse, horrible headache and no sweat. Am I more susceptible to health problems on days like today as a result of that experience in Asia?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Heat related injury is best avoided by keeping well hydrated, limit exposure to morning and evening hours, reduce your exercise, rest in shady areas and use heats, sunscreen (SPF of 15 of higher) and sunglasses

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: I'm in my third-trimester. My last baby was born in the winter so this is new to me. I noticed even walking to the train station makes my feet and hands swell up (no swelling during my last pregnancy), so I think its heat related. What can I do. I'm trying to stay out of the heat, but I have to go out a little.

Dr. Georges Benjamin: I suggest you discuss it with your doctor. Swelling during pregnancy has several causes and should be looked into.

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: My three-year-old goes to daycare where they take him out everyday. Thank goodness today they decided not to. But even last week, when it was in the '90's they took them out in the afternoon. Short of leaving work early everyday to pick him up, what can I do when I pick him up. How much water should he drink? Are there any signs I should look for that's he's overdone it in the sun? Thanks

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Early signs of dehydration include dry mouth and reduction in urination. Encouraging your child to drink fluids is VERY important. Most people (Including kids) will drink when they need to if offered. Sunburn can occur quickly so covering up is important.

_______________________

Minneapolis, Minn.:

We just got over a very bad heat wave here this past weekend. Unfortunately, one child died after being left in a sweltering car.

Every year, we hear warnings about not leaving kids in hot cars; yet every year, children die or become ill while being left in cars. Why do you think people ignore these warnings? Thank you ...

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Children, pets and seniors should NEVER be left in a car

_______________________

Annadale, Va.: Hi Doc,

I am an amateur competitive cyclist. For strenuous rides, say races > 50 miles, how much water should I drink and how frequently?

Thank you

Dr. Georges Benjamin: A good measure is to drink at least two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

_______________________

Thomasville, N.C.: This may seem like a plain question, is it still possible to get sunburned even if it's partly cloudy and you're basically sitting in the shade?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Yes you can. It depends on exposure to the sun and UV rays. A hat and sunscreen is important.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I am training for a marathon and have long runs that go 2-4 hours. What time of day is best to do them in, early morning or evening?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Early morning and evening is best

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: What are area public health facilities doing today and during this period of extreme heat? How can people find out about them in D.C., Maryland and Virginia?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: They are letting people know that it is going to be hot with some high humidity. They are encouraging people to wear light and loose clothing, drink plenty of fluids, if possible get to air conditioning / fans, check on elderly neighbors and loved ones and never leave children or pets in cars.

_______________________

Ballston, Va.: Can you explain the terms "Heat Advisory" and Code Orange?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Code orange and code red refers to the air quality (Ozone levels are up). During code orange and especially on code red days, people with respiratory conditions are encouraged to limit outside exposure (Like Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema) The purpose of heat advisories are to warn people that the temperature and humidity is up and that people with chronic health conditions should take precautions when going outside or exercising.

_______________________

Annandale, Va.: Is Gatorade good to drink?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Sure..But people who are on limited salt diets should check with their doctor before consuming sports drinks.

_______________________

Hyattsville, Md.: What kind of sunscreen is good for dark-skinned people, especially for men?

Thanks

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Use 30 minutes prior to going out

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Dr.Benjamin:

I have an early morning paper route for around 240 papers. In the morning, I use my inhaler and drink plenty of water and tea but today I felt so drained and had to go home and rest before going to my day job. What should I do to give myself more energy and not feel so sick on the stomach?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Not surprising. Did you walk or ride a bike? Any way to get a ride on days like this or break up the route in pieces?

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi, thanks for doing this chat.

I was born a desert rat out in the American Southwest. I like dry and dusty environments. Though I've lived in D.C. for six years I still pour buckets of sweat after walking even a few blocks. My body doesn't like humidity. Any recommendations on how to adapt?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: It takes a couple of weeks to adapt to the heat and humidity. Over time your body becomes more efficient at sweating and getting rid of heat (Called acclimation). Drinking fluids and slowly exercising helps even when fully acclimated.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: St. Louis has opened "cooling centers." Are we anywhere near that in this Washington, D.C. region?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Yes. can find out by going to the city health department web sits for Maryland, DC and Virginia or emergency management web sites. There are also efforts to hand out fans and check on seniors and children in public housing.

_______________________

Rosslyn, Va.: It sounds like some of the symptoms of heat sickness are the same as some of the symptoms of severe anemia. Do you recommend any additional precautions during extreme heat for people who suffer from anemia?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: People with severe anemia are at increased risk for heart attack during the heat because the heart has to work harder. The general recommendations of fluids, limited exercise during the cooler parts of the day, and dressing cooler are advised.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: When it's very hot, my hands and feet seem to swell. What causes this?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: This can happen because of the nervous system responding to the heat (Blood vessels dilate). Other things can cause this as well so one should consult with their health care provider for advice.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: For the biker and others who exercise intensively for hours at a time, note that you may be at risk of hyponatremia, a condition in which the blood sodium concentration falls to an abnormally low level, usually from drinking too much water. (See, e.g., SportsMed Web )

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Yes, need to ensure an adequate balance of salt and water. Usually, unless you are on diuretics or other medications our body regulates fluids and salts pretty well. Also, no alcohol.

_______________________

Baltimore, Md.: Should you not eat salty things?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: OK to eat salty things. Will, of course make you more thirsty.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Thank you for joining us Dr. Benjamin. My question is -- does the heat impact the quantity of oxygen in the air? Why do we get so tired, even when inside in the cool air conditioning, when it is so hot outside? I thought it might have to do with decreased oxygen -- am I totally off base?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Couple of things. When it is hot & humid the air is heavier and it is harder to move in and out of your lungs. Also, the quality of the air changes because some of the gases and other emissions from things like cars, factories can't escape. So they build up, irritate our lungs. (Big problem for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or smokers). I encourage people to stop smoking, limit driving or operating gas equipment (to reduce emissions )and take it easy on days like today.

_______________________

Culpeper, Va.: Will you get drunker drinking alcohol during the kind of weather we're having now? How much of a risk is drinking during this weather. You know a lot of people are probably holed up in local air conditioned bars taking refuge.

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Alcohol limits the body's ability to sweat effectively. Your body sweats as a way to get rid of excess heat. Alcohol puts you at risk. Drinking responsibly is essential, and the less the better during this kind of weather.

_______________________

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Note that everyone should use sunscreen when they go out in this kind of weather to protect against sunburn /sun damage to their skin. If you are unable to do so because of allergies or other skin condition, wear loose, light clothing and limit exposure

_______________________

Ex-Washingtonian: How did people survive D.C. summers in the era before air conditioning? Did they have any special tricks, besides taking all the common-sense precautions you've repeated above, or leaving town.

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Emphasized the basics: Fluids, limited activity, dressing appropriately are the mainstay. Heat related injury has been with us and is not new by any means.

_______________________

Greensboro, N.C.: When I get my monthly period, I feel a bit weak and the high heat and humidity make it worse. Would this correct itself by just drinking more water, or are there other remedies to go with increase in water?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Important to stay hydrated as much as possible in all conditions.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Should you take salt tablets and what do they do?

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Recommend talking with your doctor before you take salt tablets.

_______________________

Dr. Georges Benjamin: Thanks for spending the hour with me and the American Public Health Association

Good Bye

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.