Winston Salem Times

A heat wave is in the forecast for the Piedmont Triad, prompting doctors and humane societies to remind people to take care of themselves and their pets.

Temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s in the Winston-Salem area this week, and such heat often results in people suffering from heat-related illness, WXII 12 News reported. As with many health concerns, it's crucial to be aware of early signs and try to take action sooner rather than later.

"Our body has a compensatory mechanism that tries to cool itself off with sweating, etc.," Patricia Williams, a nurse practitioner with Novant Health, told WXII 12 News. "But when we're talking about these kind of high temperatures, many times our body is just not able to keep up."

Signs to look for when it comes to heat-related illness include rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, dehydration, irritability, sleepiness, slurred speech and confusion, WXII 12 News reported.

"When you're starting to feel that little bit of lightheadedness, dizziness, get out of the heat," Williams said. "Get yourself into a cooler place, whether it be a shaded area, better yet, even an air-conditioned area."

If going outside during the hottest part of the day is inevitable, Williams said to dress in light-colored clothing and stay hydrated, WXII 12 News reported.

The elderly, the young, those on blood pressure medicine and pets are especially prone to heat illness, WXII 12 News reported. Of course, pets can't tell you if they're hot or dehydrated, but owners should be attentive.

"In this heat that we have coming up now, shade is not enough for them. Water bowls are not enough for them," Geralyn Kelly, owner of Elite Canine Training, told WXII 12 News. "Heatstroke, if it does happen or your dog is overheated, the first thing you want to remember is never put them in ice water or any kind of cool water. Dropping their temperatures too quickly could put them into shock which is very, you know, can be fatal."