Beat the summer heat – Dr. Danila on staying healthy in the heat

Dr. Dan Danila, a hospitalist at Bon Secours St. Mary’s hospital, offers advice for recognizing signs of heat related illness and how to avoid them.  According to Dr. Danila warning signs of heat exposure include:

• leg cramps
• muscle spasms
• fever
• fatigue
• losing consciousness

Dr. Danila recommends beating the heat by drinking lots of water – at least 1 gallon and up to 2 gallons a day. He also advices avoiding the mid-day sun from noon until three pm, taking a multi vitamin supplement, seeking shelter and shade and checking on elderly neighbors.

If you feel ill or suspect you may have heat related illness, contact your doctor or a medical professional right away. If you need a doctor, contact us at 804-359-WELL, if it is an emergency, dial 911