Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) said heat-related illnesses have increased significantly in the past week amid a scorching heat wave.
Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in the coming days across the metroplex as residents brace themselves for more heat. Christian Grisales, public information officer for DCHHS, said heat-related illnesses can happen to anyone.
“The week before we only had about 25 cases and now, we’re seeing a doubling of cases,” said Grisales, per CBS Texas. “Monitor your symptoms, often times we ignore those and it’s your body telling you telling you that something is wrong.”
Last week, 66-year-old Eugene Gates, a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker, collapsed and died while working his route in Lakewood, as reported by The Dallas Express. His wife said the heat may have overwhelmed him while he was working.
“My husband was trying to complete his assignment. That was his job … and the heat got to him,” Carla Gates told WFAA. Since Gates’ death, USPS has instituted earlier start times to help letter carriers beat the heat.
Heat-related illnesses can be even more dangerous for those who suffer from health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory diseases, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Obesity has been a major problem impacting the nation, particularly in Texas, as Trust for America’s Health reports that 36.1% of Texas adults are obese.
Steps can be taken to help prevent heat-related illnesses when in the heat.
Melissa Mendez, a registered dietitian, told CBS Texas, “With these very high temperatures, it is very important to stay hydrated.”
Mendez recommends drinking water throughout the day, but the amount can vary based on age and gender.
It is recommended that young children between the ages of 6 and 12 months have 4 to 8 ounces. Children between 12 and 24 months need roughly 8 to 32 ounces. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years need approximately 1 to 5 cups, while those between ages 5 and 8 need about 5 cups.
Older children between the ages of 9 and 13 years should have 7 to 8 cups daily, while those between 14 and 18 years need roughly 8 to 11 cups. Adult men should have roughly 15.5 cups, while adult women should have about 11.5 cups of water each day.
Mendez said there are other options for those who prefer to drink something other than water.
“Other options could include maybe a vegetable juice, just pure vegetable juice, checking the food label that there isn’t a lot of sodium on it and drinking milk,” said Mendez, per CBS News.
Besides staying hydrated, The Dallas Express recently reported on other ways to beat the heat this summer.
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