Heat and Humidity May Cause Health Problems

With temperatures soaring, medical professionals offer some advice - stay inside if possible, if you need to be outdoors, take frequent breaks, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water. The extreme weather might cause problems for the elderly, children, overweight people, and people with heart or respiratory problems.

Dr. Jon Rittenberger, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UPMC says heat related illnesses occur when the body, which normally cools itself by sweating doesn't sweat at a typical rate due to the humidity. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be tended to immediately when warning signs such as heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness or headache occur.

The health department suggests staying indoors preferably in an air conditioned environment and avoiding hot foods and heavy meals.