TOLEDO, Ohio — The heat wave that swept over northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan was something you were either prepared for or not.
Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said prolonged exposure to the sun and heat can have effects that may hinder your health, especially if you fit specific categories or have chronic health conditions.
It's important to note that young children, older adults, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the sun's adverse effects.
The agency said older adults do not adjust to the heat well and are likely to have medical conditions that increase risk factors when exposed to excessive heat.
It's also crucial that parents take responsibility in keeping their children hydrated, cool and protected from the sun. Because very young children are unable to communicate their discomfort, it's up to parents to stay vigilant.
Dr. Nicholas Sauber with Mercy Health offered tips on how to cool down if you are overheated.
"We certainly want to get people into a cool place, find a place with air conditioning," Sauber said. "If you have nothing else, spraying someone with water or putting them in front of a fan has proven the best way to cool someone down rapidly."
These tips can work but Sauber said you should take someone to the hospital or seek nearby medical assistance if they are experiencing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
"If there are any concerns or suspicions about an emergency, you can call your doctor. Go to the ER. If you feel they need emergency transport, you can always call 911," said Sauber.
Stay with WTOL 11 Weather for more updates and comprehensive coverage of the heatwave impacting northwest Ohio.
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