Doctors at The University of Kansas Health System are warning area residents to take the current hot weather seriously. The heat and humidity from these high temperatures frustrate the body’s natural ways to cool itself. The elderly, the very young and those with health conditions are usually the first the feel the consequences of a heat wave, but this prolonged forecast for high heat and humidity can have an impact on the healthiest people if there is long term exposure to the heat.

Doctors offer the following tips: Pay attention to urination.  If you are not urinating or if it is a dark color, you need to concentrate on hydration. Head to the hospital if you are not urinating, are becoming confused or disoriented.  If you’re exhibiting the early signs, get hydrated.  If you are home and not in air conditioning, take cool baths or dab yourself with a wet towel in front of a fan.

In the video, Dr. Steven Stites, a pulmonologist at The University of Kansas Health System, explains why the heat causes big problems for people who already have breathing problems. Also, Dr. Stephen Lauer, a pediatrician with the health system, explains why children are particularly vulnerable to the heat. As he says, parents need to know that if they’re hot, their baby is really hot! He also explains the danger of leaving a child in a car in the hot weather. Also included is a demonstration of how quickly the temperature inside a car sitting out in the heat can become dangerous. It shows a thermometer with the outside temperature, followed by the same thermometer just minutes later after being inside the hot car.