Kansas City heat wave creates medical concerns

University of Kansas Hospital

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Doctors at The University of Kansas Hospital are warning area residents to take current health warnings seriously.

“Heat and humidity this high frustrates 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,” says Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.

Dr. Norman says hydration is critical for anyone out in the heat even for a brief while.  He says sports drinks which provide electrolytes are preferred but water is also an important option. 

He urges people to avoid alcohol, drinks with caffeine and drinks with carbonation.

Dr. Norman says a key is to 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,” warns Dr. Norman.

Hotter weather on the way

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- At long last, it appears the dog days of summer are about to show up.

The National Weather Service is warning of increasing temperatures beginning this weekend. 

Heat indices in the upper 90's and 100 degrees are in the forecast for all days between Sunday and Thursday. 

Full forecast from the National Weather Service: 

AFTER A PERIOD OF COOLER TEMPERATURES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF AUGUST...TEMPERATURES ON SUNDAY WILL BUILD IN THE LOW TO MIDDLE 90S WITH HEAT INDEX VALUES IN THE UPPER 90S TO NEAR 100. BY THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK...TEMPERATURES WILL CLIMB INTO THE MIDDLE TO UPPER 90S WITH HEAT INDEX VALUES BETWEEN 98 TO 103 DEGREES. ALSO BY MIDWEEK OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES IN THE URBAN CORE OF KANSAS CITY WILL ONLY DROP INTO THE UPPER 70S. THESE PROLONGED WARM CONDITIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO RELIEF DURING THE NIGHT TIME HOURS WILL LEAD TO DANGEROUS IF NOT DEADLY CONDITIONS.