Temperatures are creeping towards the triple digits in our area once again, but that hasn't stopped many folks from getting out of the air-conditioning and getting into the sun, something that should be done with caution.
After a few days of temperatures that were not typical of July, we're back where we usually are this time of year - hot. And as we found out, some like it hot.
"I love the heat," admitted Justin Kronenwetter, who was exercising in it.
Some, like Kronenwetter, seem to love that sticky summer heat. Enough so, to spend the day in it. We found some outside reading, relaxing at the beach, even running.
Did we mention how hot it was? At times, dangerously hot.
Dr. John Charles, Director for Medical Affairs at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, says "People are here on vacation and they're going to go out on the beach and they're going to go out in the sun. But, if you hear warnings about there being too much heat, it's time to regulate your time in the sun. That would be two hours out on the beach, go inside and cool off."
Otherwise, adds Dr. Charles, you risk the possibility of heat exhaustion or even worse heat stroke, which he says is rare, but potentially deadly.
Dr. Charles, an ER Physician at GSRMC, admitted that most of the heat-related cases he sees are people on vacation in the Myrtle Beach area.
He says those who don't exert themselves in the heat are less likely to fall prey to the heat, but some still choose to soak up the sun.
"It's all about acclimating. So, get used to it, be outside, be in it," said Kronenwetter about his approach to dealing with the heat. "You cant hide from it forever. I wouldn't recommend it all at once that's why i acclimate," he continued.
Jim Esposito, another exerciser, says he starts preparing for his work out long before he even breaks a sweat.
"I hydrate all day long in anticipation of this," described Esposito, "I come out and do my 40 minutes and I'm gone... as soon as I'm done I get out and drink a big water."
Dr. Charles says if your kids are outside playing, you should take a minute every so often to keep them hydrated. He says if kids begin the day full of energy, but by late afternoon seem exhausted and even cranky, they may be on their way to a heat-related illness.
But he adds that it's not always about drinking a certain amount or at a certain point in the day, but more about listening to what your body is saying and common sense.
"Are you thirsty? Then get something to drink," said Dr. Charles, "our bodies are remarkably wise and telling us when we need to drink. We just have to pay attention to it."
