Dr. Louis Piper At Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center Discusses Watch-Fors and Safety Tips For Hot and Humid DMV Heat Wave

By Raoul Dennis

Already, hospital emergency rooms and physicians are seeing an increase in heat-related illnesses, according to Dr. Louis Piper, who specializes in Emergency Medicine at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. Dr. Piper sat down with Prince George’s Suite Magazine on July 2 to discuss how residents should address the dangerous temperatures facing the region.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: What's the most important thing you want to make sure that we understand first regarding heat-related illnesses?

Dr. Piper: The main thing is to watch out for your neighbors and loved ones, especially people who are elderly, medically vulnerable, or may not have the financial resources to stay cool. Check on them frequently. People should also understand that heat-related illness can develop very quickly. In extreme heat, symptoms can begin within 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to hydrate before going outside and to continue hydrating while you are exposed to the heat.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Tell us a little bit about hydrating. What is a good approach?

Dr. Piper: There really are no universal guidelines on exactly how much to drink because it depends on the temperature, humidity, and the level of physical activity. You want to stay adequately hydrated, but you also do not want to drink excessive amounts of water too quickly. If you are outside for an extended period and sweating heavily, you should also consider replacing electrolytes. Adding an electrolyte-based beverage periodically can help replenish what your body loses through perspiration.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: An electrolyte-based beverage is going to be something like what athletes drink?

Dr. Piper: Exactly. Those types of beverages can help replace electrolytes, but most people should still rely primarily on water for hydration.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: So if you're going to be outside, something electrolyte-based is helpful, but water remains the priority?

Dr. Piper: Correct. Water should remain your primary source of hydration. Electrolytes are an addition, particularly if you are outside for a long time or doing strenuous activity that causes significant sweating.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: I've heard that pouring cool water over the back of your head or wrists helps circulate cooler blood. Is that accurate?

Dr. Piper: Not exactly. Putting water on your body helps through evaporative cooling. Your body naturally cools itself when sweat evaporates from the skin. Adding water can enhance that process. However, on very humid days, evaporative cooling becomes less effective because the air is already saturated with moisture. In those conditions, you can still overheat even if you are sweating heavily.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: So people can still have serious heat problems even if they are sweating?

Dr. Piper: Absolutely. Humidity makes it much harder for the body to cool itself. That's why people need to pay attention not only to the air temperature but also to the heat index, which can be several degrees higher and more dangerous.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: What should people do when humidity is extremely high?

Dr. Piper: The most important thing is to find a cool environment. Access to air conditioning can be lifesaving. Spending long periods outdoors in hot, humid conditions is extremely dangerous. People should seek air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest parts of the day.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Thank you. I appreciate you correcting some of the misconceptions people hear about heat safety.

Dr. Piper: Addressing misconceptions is important. Another thing people need to understand is the progression of heat-related illness. Someone may initially feel hot and uncomfortable, but when symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating begin, they may be experiencing heat exhaustion. At that point, the body is struggling to keep up with the heat.

If exposure continues, the body's cooling systems begin to fail. That becomes a medical emergency. If someone is nauseated, dizzy, weak, or experiencing other symptoms of heat exhaustion, get them indoors and begin cooling them immediately.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: What signs indicate that a situation has become an emergency?

Dr. Piper: Confusion, fainting, altered behavior, or the absence of sweating are all serious warning signs. When you see those symptoms, call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency responders, begin aggressive cooling measures. Pour cool or ice water over the person if possible. Place ice packs under the arms and in the groin area because those locations help cool the body rapidly. Fan the person to increase evaporation and heat loss. Every minute matters in those situations.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Many people purchase box fans during heat waves. Are fans enough?

Dr. Piper: Fans can help, but there is a misconception that simply placing a fan in a hot room solves the problem. If a home is extremely hot, a fan may simply circulate hot air. Homes without air conditioning can sometimes become even hotter than the outdoor environment and effectively function like ovens.

People need airflow and, ideally, access to a cooler environment. Vulnerable individuals who do not have air conditioning are particularly at risk during extended heat waves.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: In that case, should they leave the house and find a cooler location?

Dr. Piper: Yes. People should go to an air-conditioned location whenever possible. By calling 311, residents can learn about cooling centers and other available resources. Grocery stores, shopping malls, libraries, and other public buildings can provide relief from dangerous temperatures. Ideally, people should avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the peak heat hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Is there anything else that we have not discussed that you want the public to know?

Dr. Piper: People with chronic medical conditions need to be especially careful. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses can be more susceptible to heat-related complications. Certain medications, including diuretics or "water pills," can increase the risk of dehydration.

In addition, some heart conditions can make it harder for the body to tolerate the increased workload required to cool itself. People with chronic illnesses should have a heat-safety plan and should speak with their healthcare providers if they have concerns about how heat may affect them.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: That's a very important point because so many people in our community are dealing with conditions such as diabetes. I also wanted to ask about our four-legged friends. What should pet owners keep in mind during extreme heat?

Dr. Piper: Pets can be even more vulnerable to heat than humans because they do not regulate temperature the same way we do. Pet owners should make sure their animals have constant access to water and shade. They should avoid leaving pets outdoors for prolonged periods, particularly in direct sunlight.

People also need to remember that pavement can become extremely hot and can cause discomfort or injury. Long walks on hot surfaces should be avoided whenever possible. If you need to walk your pet, try to do so during cooler parts of the day.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: How can people tell when a pet may be having a heat-related problem?

Dr. Piper: I'm not a veterinarian, but generally speaking, changes in behavior, unusual lethargy, or signs that an animal is struggling can be warning signs. If owners notice those changes, they should take them seriously.

The same concept applies to young children. Children do not tolerate heat as well as healthy adults. Agitation, unusual fatigue, lethargy, or other behavioral changes can indicate that a child is being affected by the heat. Parents should pay close attention and move children into a cool environment immediately if they begin showing those signs.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Thank you. This information is incredibly helpful. Before we conclude, are you already seeing an increase in heat-related medical cases?

Dr. Piper: We are. We have begun seeing an increase in patients coming to the emergency department with heat-related illnesses. Many are people who have been outside doing yard work or other physical activities in high temperatures. We are also seeing patients with chronic medical conditions who have been exercising or spending time outdoors and have become ill because of the heat.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: I think many people underestimate how quickly it can happen.

Dr. Piper: Exactly. That's one of the most important messages people need to hear. Heat-related illness can develop much faster than most people realize. Taking preventive measures before symptoms appear is the best way to stay safe.

Pr. George’s Suite Magazine: Thank you again for taking time to speak with us and for helping educate our readers about staying safe in this dangerous heat.

Dr. Piper: You're absolutely welcome.