As temperatures climb toward 90s, doctors offer refresher on heat-related illnesses
May 29, 2025, 8:00 AM | Updated: 10:58 am
SALT LAKE CITY — With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s by the weekend, doctors on Wednesday were offering a refresher about why it’s important to pay attention to possible warning signs of heat-related illness.
Dr. Tom Nelson, medical director of the Intermountain Medical Center emergency department, said emergency rooms annually see too many heat-related illness cases.
Read more: High temperatures? Time to turn on the sprinklers
He said it is important for people to remain hydrated and encouraged them to consider exercising in the mornings and evenings to avoid the peak heat of the day.
“It sounds so common sense, but these are really the tips that can help you stay out of the emergency department,” Nelson told KSL TV. “When the temperatures fly up quickly, we’re just not used to it. We see the beautiful skies outside, and we want to be outside recreating, hanging with our friends, but our bodies haven’t acclimated yet and we might push it too far, too fast.”
Nelson said if anyone during exercise feels lightheaded, nauseous or experiences a racing heart, it’s recommended to take a break and find shade and water.
He said, in the worst case, heat stroke can be an extremely serious medical condition.
“If you start to get confused, or if you see someone else who is getting confused, that’s very worrisome and you might want to seek medical attention for that,” Nelson said. “The most feared complication is heat stroke, so if someone gets really altered or if they actually stop sweating, it’s a sign you should get to an emergency department.”
Children and the elderly are generally considered the most vulnerable to the effects of heat, Nelson said, but he underscored that heat can make anyone sick — no matter how healthy or fit they are.
Read more: Stressed out? Regularly engaging in physical activity can help
Temperatures in the mid-80s on Wednesday brought people in significant numbers to places like Sugar House Park, where walkers, joggers and runners soaked up the sunshine.
“It’s just super peaceful,” said A.J. Affleck. “I love to get out every day — at least an hour or two every day, I get out and work out.”
He acknowledged sometimes the heat can take people by surprise, especially during a quick warmup in temperatures.
“You know ‘Utah weather,’” Affleck said. “It can just get hot out of nowhere.”
Ethan Fox, who was out with a group of friends playing spikeball, acknowledged the weather at the park was unexpectedly hot.
“I wasn’t expecting it to get as hot as it was,” Fox said. “It caught me off-guard, and some of my friends.”
Affleck acknowledged it was good to listen to the doctor’s advice.
“That’s basically it,” Affleck said. “Stay hydrated, stay in the shade — as long as you do that, you’ll be fine.”
Fox said he would be better equipped for the next park visit.
“We’ll make sure next time, over the next few days, we’ll be ready for it,” Fox said.
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