North Fulton Hospital Sees Increase in Heat Related Visits

News flash, just in case you've missed it: it's mid-summer and it's extremely hot.

With all that heat comes some unique dangers to be aware of, according to the staff at .

Yes, it's true the sun is a good thing; it ensures life is sustainable on earth by helping plants grow; it can be harnessed to create energy; it can even be a factor in maintaining good health. But, overexposure will do just the opposite.

According to medical personnel, too much sun can lead to a number of heat-related illnesses, some of which can send you to the hospital. 

"We have seen a few people come through the [emergency room] with heat related symptoms," said North Fulton Regional Hospital spokesperson Laura Elkins.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat is attributed with causing about 400 deaths throughout the country each year.

“Normally the body can cool itself by sweating. But in several situations, and for certain people, this just isn’t enough,” said Dr. Jacob Varghese of North Fulton Primary Care.  “High humidity, staying out in the heat too long and exercising too much for your age or physical condition can make the body temperature rise to dangerous levels.”

While children, the elderly and the obese are at the greatest risk for heat-induced problems, anyone can find themselves susceptible to a heat-related illness including, sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even in extreme cases, death. 

“With temperatures already hitting the upper 90s, North Fulton Hospital has seen an increase in heat-related visits to the Emergency Room,” said Michael Lipscomb, M.D. and Medical Director of North Fulton Hospital Emergency Services.

The hospital and Ready Georgia offer these tips for staying healthy in the sun: 

• Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, to help lessen health threats and harm.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but not ones that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Drink fruit juices or sports beverages to replace salt and minerals that are removed from the body when working or exercising in the heat.
• Wear clothing that is light weight, light colored and loose fitting.
• Apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of 15 or higher approximately half an hour before going outside.
• Try to limit outdoor activities to morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
• If not used to exercising or working in a hot environment, begin slowly and gradually increase activity level; also make sure to use a buddy system.
• Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. Fans can help, but they cannot prevent heat-related illnesses once temperatures reach the high 90s.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car.
• Insulate your home by installing weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the cool air inside.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals that can add heat to the body.

“As hot as Georgia summers get, it is important to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses,” Lipscomb said.

Most heat-related illnesses are not medical emergencies, according hospital staff. However, in cases of heat stroke, call 911 or emergency medical services immediately and move the person to a cooler environment.

For more information about treating heat-related illnesses, talk with your doctor, call 770-751-2660 or log on to the hospital website for a free referral to a physician near you.

This article first appeared on Roswell Patch.