A heat warning from doctors as dangerously high temperatures hit Colorado

LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — The heat wave is not just uncomfortable. Health experts warn that the record-high temperatures around the Denver metro can also be deadly.

They say it is important to plan for the triple-digit temperatures that arrived on Friday and likely will return each day this weekend.

Not many kids were playing on the playground in the triple-digit heat on Friday. Many wanted to take a splash in the water instead, and the splash pads at Ray Ross Park in Lakewood were a hot spot to cool down.

“Just enjoying the weather, trying to stay away from the heat,” said David Sandoval, who was playing with his 3-year-old son.

“Staying in the shade drinking plenty of water,” Sandoval said. “Staying in the water.”

13 heat-related deaths in Colorado last year

Victor Garibay was serving up cold sweet treats. He tried to stay cool by staying in the shade, but even then, it’s hard to hide from the heat.”

“You definitely feel it even in the shade, but you learn to make do,” he said.

The extreme heat can be dangerous. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 13 heat-related deaths in Colorado last year. Some 97 people landed in the hospital in the last stretch of extreme heat on the week of June 23.

“One of the things people forget about Colorado, we actually live in a high desert. It’s very dry. So when you combine that with heat exposure, we’re at real risk of getting dehydrated and losing too much salt,” said Dr. Matt Mendenhall, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Littleton. “Keep in mind: Our bodies cool itself by sweating. Sweating means we are pushing salt and water out through the skin and then it evaporates. We live in a high desert, we are evaporating sweat all the time. You don’t realize how much salt and water you’re losing when you’re outside.”

Staying cool in extreme heat

Mendenhall said it is very important to pay attention to the early signs of heat illness.

“Heat exhaustion with muscle cramping, fatigue, feeling weak,” Mendenhall said. “If you start to feel nauseous or lightheaded, those are signs you just stop, take a break, get out of the sun and rehydrate.”

Other tips to stay cool in extreme heat include:

• Keep cool. Use air conditioning or a fan.
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Minimize heat sources. Try to avoid using the oven or stove, which can make you sweaty and make your air conditioner work harder.
• Stay indoors if possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day between noon and 6 p.m.
• Protect yourself from the sun and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns and keep your skin cooler.
• Cover windows or window blinds. That can help keep your home cooler, even if it’s only by a few degrees.
• If you’re going outside in extreme heat, it’s a good idea to have someone with you in case you need help.

If you start to see some of the warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, you need to act immediately. Stop what you’re doing and move to a shaded area. Sip water or sports drinks with electrolytes, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. If your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.