Protect yourself from heat-related illnesses while staying at home

As we deal with another heatwave that's expected to stick around until the weekend, there are some health risks you should watch out for while social distancing.

“oh, this heat is," Sandra Hughs, from Indio. "Its just really muggy, sticky  and hot.” 

“You’re probably seeing it," said Darcey Deetz. "My sweat.” 

It's definitely a day to stay inside as temperatures hoover over hundred degrees in our valley. 

“It feels like you fry an egg on the concrete or the payment...its really really warm," said Hughs.

Many are trying to make the heat of the day bearable. 

“That is really high, I don’t think i have ever been in 120’s, this is going to be the first for me, i am going to be in the pool if not in air conditioning house," said Hughs.

With another hot streak of triple digits, doctors are warning us of the importance to do a self check while staying at home. 

“Looking at your urine, if its dark, it means you're probably not hydrated, if its light then you are hydrating properly," said Euthym Kontaxis, Medical Director of Tennity Emergency at Eisenhower Health. "Set times when you have a meal make sure you have a drink 2 to 3 glasses of water.” 

Dr. Kontaxis said its important to set a timer on your phone to remind you to hydrate every two hours. But to also pay attention to these signs. 

“If your heart rate is going fast thats a sign you might be dehydrated and if you're thirsty, thirst is your body way of telling you its time drink.” 

While many families still remain at home with the kids, Dr.Kontaxis has a tip for parents.

“People forget so you're kid maybe sleeping so just put a ribbon around the steering wheel," said Dr.Kontaxis. "When you leave the car you see the ribbon, you go i got to get my kid and then when you come back in you tie it back up.”

Dr. Kontaxis said during this time of year, his team sees a-lot of patients suffer from a heat related illnesses. So, he advises.

“I think people don’t realize the hottest part of the day is 4 or 5 o’clock in the afternoon," said Dr.Kontaxis. "Trying to stay indoors during the hot part of the day, making sure your air conditioners are working, making sure you have plenty of fluids on hand, ice water.” 

According to the First Alert weather team, highs will climb to near record (and near all-time record) levels as we move into the weekend. Both a Heat Advisory and an Excessive Heat Warning are in place through Saturday. Highs could match the 121 degree reading we hit on July 12th.