Memorial doctor discusses heat-related illnesses

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Heat related illnesses, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are all impacting the Coastal Empire and beyond.

We spoke with a doctor at Memorial about what health leaders are seeing. He said right now through the end of August is typically always peak season- and here’s why.

“A lot of people just don’t realize how much the heat does affect them. They’re normal daily activities that they feel comfortable doing, well now you add 10 to 15 degrees of heat and your body can’t cool off to that level that it needs to cool off in,” said Dr. Goldstein. “People who are going out there and trying to do their normal athletic activities and they don’t realize the effects and when they start getting lightheaded, dizzy, thirsty, feel hotter than they should.”

If you ever see someone whose going through heat exhaustion or about to pass out, Dr. Goldstein said to put water on their arms and legs, a cold rag around their legs and give them water or electrolytes.