JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The consumption of alcohol and exposure to excessive heat can be a dangerous mix as locals gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July.
According to medical experts, heat waves or periods of excessive heat are already dangerous, so consuming too much alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Medical experts also warn folks not to make the mistake of thinking alcoholic beverages equal hydration because they’re fluids.
The Fourth of July holiday will fall during the middle of a dangerous heatwave, and despite warnings about the heat, people will still drink to celebrate the holiday.
Kraig Widner and his family are visiting Jacksonville Beach from the Midwest. The family has visited the area before but this is the first time they have come during a heatwave.
To prepare for the festivities, Widner said they drink lots of Gatorade and Propel to ensure they will enjoy the day.
“Got to have a lot of water. A lot of water balances the alcohol out and makes you feel a lot better,” Tyer Skelton, who is also visiting from the Midwest, said.
Kay Turner recognizes the dangers of drinking while outside in hot temperatures.
“In the heat, people tend to drink way too much. And they forget about water. I mean, when you drink alcohol, what that does is suck all the hydration out of your system,” she said.
“You got to be conscious before you start drinking because once you start down that road, you’re not going to be thinking about hydrating and keeping yourself safe,” Kathy Horton said.
Medical experts say if you notice dehydration such as dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and nausea, you should stop drinking, go to a cooler place and try to rehydrate with water.