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How to Prevent Heat Stress

National Weather Service

Every year in the United States, more than 600 people die from excessive heat. Dr. Dave Dierks, Emergency Room Medical Director for the Genesis Health System in Davenport, says that construction workers, landscapers, gardeners, and others working outside need to be careful in the heat. 

“The breaks in air conditioning are vital... or a shaded area will help. The problem is that the humidity makes it very difficult for our bodies to cool off and that’s why it’s important, if you can, to get into some air conditioned area, or where there’s some air circulation.”

While the majority of cases Dierks sees in the ER are working-aged people, he says the most serious cases involve children and the elderly. Parents should make sure children wear hats, use plenty of sunblock, and avoid hot cars. 

“It can be very dangerous. Traditionally, we always have some catastrophic events that happen where a parent leaves a child in a car, and it can lead to very serious consequences.” 

For people of all ages, Dr. Dierks says to watch out for the warning signs of heat stroke; headaches, nausea, dizzyness, and vomiting. He advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to take a break and get inside. If it becomes serious, call 911.

Marianna Bacallao is WVIK Quad Cities NPR's 2020-2021 Fellowship Host/Reporter. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercer University's Center for Collaborative Journalism and served as Editor-in-Chief for the student newspaper, The Cluster.