A warning from doctors about Denver’s triple-digit heat

LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — The heat wave isn’t just uncomfortable. Health experts warn that record temperatures around metro Denver can also be deadly.

They say it’s important to plan for the triple-digit temperatures that arrived Friday and are likely to return every day this weekend.

Not many kids were playing on the playground in Friday’s triple-digit heat. Many wanted to take a splash in the water instead, and the splash pads at Lakewood’s Ray Ross Park were a hot spot to cool off.

“Just enjoying the weather, trying to stay out of the heat,” said David Sandoval, who was playing with his 3-year-old son.

“Stay in the shade and drink plenty of water,” Sandoval said. “Stay in the water.”

13 heat-related deaths in Colorado last year

Victor Garibay served cold sweets. He tried to stay cool by sitting in the shade, but even then, it’s hard to hide from the heat.”

“You definitely feel it even in the shade, but you learn to deal with it,” he said.

Extreme heat can be dangerous. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 13 heat-related deaths in Colorado last year. Around 97 people landed in hospital during the latest extreme heat spell in the week of June 23.

“One of the things people forget about Colorado, we actually live in the high desert. It is very dry. So when you combine that with heat exposure, we’re at real risk of becoming dehydrated and losing too much salt,” said Dr. Matt Mendenhall, medical director at AdventHealth Littleton. “Remember: Our bodies cool themselves by sweating. Sweating means that we push salt and water through the skin and then it evaporates. We live in a high desert, we evaporate sweat all the time. You don’t realize how much salt and water you lose when you’re outside.”

Stay cool in extreme heat

Mendenhall said it’s very important to pay attention to the early signs of heat illness.

“Heat exhaustion with muscle cramps, fatigue, feeling weak,” Mendenhall said. “If you start to feel nauseous or dizzy, those are signs to stop, take a break, get out of the sun and rehydrate.”

Other tips for keeping cool in extreme heat include:

• Stay calm. Use air conditioner or fan.
• Wear light and loose clothing.
• Take cold showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Minimize heat sources. Try to avoid using the oven or stove, which can make you sweat and make your air conditioner work harder.
• Stay indoors if possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day between noon and 6pm
• Protect yourself from the sun and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn and keep your skin cooler.
• Cover the windows or blinds. This can help keep your home cooler, even if it’s only by a few degrees.
• If you go outside in extreme heat, it’s a good idea to have someone with you in case you need help.

If you start to see some of the warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, you need to act immediately. Stop what you are doing and move to a shaded area. Sip water or sports drinks with electrolytes, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. If your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.