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Valley residents look for relief from the heat
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High temperatures gave Mahoning Valley residents a reason to hit the water. Cousins Zakary Smith, 5, left, and Koltyn Poling, 6, both of Niles, cooled off Wednesday at Mosquito Lake State Park in Trumbull County.
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Mosquito Lake was a popular spot to try to beat the heat Wednesday. Hot and humid weather is expected to continue today.
By Karl Henkel
khenkel@vindy.com
YOUNGSTOWN
As temperatures climbed toward a record high Wednesday, the
Mahoning Valley was rudely reminded of the summer’s biggest drawback: the blistering heat.
Sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion are some of the medical problems associated with extreme heat, and it’s important to remember some basic tips to ensure safety.
Dr. John Venglarcik III, Mahoning County District Board of Health medical director, helps the Valley debunk some heat-related myths:
Myth: Drink gallons of water.
Fact: Though bodies need 10 percent to 20 percent more water when it’s hot (on top of the eight 8-ounce daily servings), drinking too much extra water could be dangerous.
Bodies need sodium, something water doesn’t have, so mix in juices and drinks with electrolytes.
Regardless of your beverage options (aside from alcohol), Dr. Venglarcik urges people to listen to their bodies.
“Let thirst be your guide,” he said. “If you’re thirsty, drink something.”
Myth: A person cannot get dehydrated in a swimming pool.
Fact: “Swimming in a pool does not prevent fluid loss,” Dr. Venglarcik said.
He said it’s especially important to keep children properly hydrated and suggests that parents pull their children from the pool every hour.
“Sit them down, give them some cool refreshments and let them relax, and then they can get back in the water,” he said.
Myth: Applying sunblock one time is enough.
Fact: Dr. Venglarcik said if you’re going to be in the sun any longer than 20 minutes, it’s important to cover exposed skin with sunblock. Sunblock, even if “waterproof,” eventually will be washed away by sweat. The doctor suggests reapplying sunblock every hour.
Myth: The higher the SPF, the better the sunblock.
Fact: Most high SPF sunblocks aren’t much different from SPF 45 sunblock, except when it comes to price.
“You can only keep so much sun out, and after that, there’s just a maximum effectiveness,” Dr. Venglarcik said. Save the money and stick with SPF 45.