Tips from doctors on staying safe in the extreme heat smothering Long Island

The extreme heat currently covering Long Island and New York City can cause a number of health problems in both young and old. Local experts are cautioning people to take it slow, stay hydrated, check on the elderly and keep an eye on your pets. Newsday spoke with Long Island doctors who focus on emergency medicine about ways to stay safe and recognizing the signs of heat stroke.

Who is most at risk during extreme heat events like this?

Older adults are particularly susceptible because many live alone and have medical conditions, according to Dr. Payal Sud, associate chair of emergency medicine at North Shore University Hospital. She said it’s vital for people to check in on their older friends, family and neighbors.

"They’re exposed environmentally to the heat a lot more even when they're indoors ... they may have air conditioners that don’t function well or they aren’t putting them on," Sud said.

Older people also have more chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems, that can make them prone to heat-related illnesses. Some medications can affect body temperature or lead to dehydration, said Dr. Marc Schechter, medical director of adult primary care at Optum Medical Care, who has an office in Plainview. He said patients should talk to their physicians and review their medication list.

"Many medications require refrigeration or need to be shielded from excessive heat," Schechter said in an email. "Avoid leaving medication in a hot car. For medicines requiring refrigeration, I suggest keeping a supply of ice packs in your freezer to be used in case you lose power."

What about children and younger adults?

"You still have soccer and lacrosse on the weekends and the kids are not stopping frequently enough to hydrate," said Dr. Jerry Rubano, regional director of trauma at NYU Langone — Long Island.

He said people who are used to mowing and gardening may be trying to keep up the same pace.

"They think they can still do it in an hour, but they have to remind themselves to take breaks and drink water or have a drink with electrolytes," he said.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

"Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headache and maybe vomiting," are signs of heat exhaustion, Sud said. "Your body is trying to give you the warning signal that you are overheating."

Heat exhaustion can usually be treated at home by resting in a cool room, taking fluids and using cold packs wrapped in cloth on their neck.

Rubano said heat stroke is a serious, clinical diagnosis that can include those symptoms, plus neurological ones.

"If they are sounding confused, that’s more in line with a heat stroke and they should definitely come in to be checked out," he said.

What can I do to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Keep water handy at all times.

"If you're really feeling like you're thirsty, it means you're behind the eight ball," Rubano said.

Sud said sugary drinks, alcohol and coffee are not great choices in extreme heat.

"They actually dehydrate you more," she said. "So be careful with that."

She said if you have to go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

"Try not to be exposed to the heat if you can avoid it," Sud said.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.