Doctor urges Jamaicans to hydrate as July heat nears 100°F

As Jamaica and much of the world face rising temperatures, former Medical Association of Jamaica president Dr. Winston Doors is urging the public to treat extreme heat as a serious health threat and to prepare now.

Speaking on TVJ’s Smile Jamaica, Dr. Doors said local readings that once sat in the low-to-mid 90s Fahrenheit are climbing toward nearly 100°F in July, with August typically the hottest month. At those levels, he said, the body absorbs heat from the air instead of shedding it, and the risk of illness and death rises even for people used to a warm climate.

Hydration comes first. He advised drinking enough water to keep urine a light yellow, and said older adults often need more fluid than younger people because water can shift from the bloodstream into the tissues. That fluid may return at night and mean more trips to the bathroom, he added, but that trade-off is safer than staying under-hydrated. Because sweating depletes salts, he also recommended electrolytes; coconut water, he said, is especially useful and may restore fluids faster than plain water.

People with kidney failure should settle fluid plans with a nephrologist, he warned, since both too much and too little water can be dangerous. Those with heart failure or on diuretics should likewise review guidance with a cardiologist. Diabetics need plenty of water as well, he said, particularly when blood sugar is poorly controlled and during mango season, when excess fruit can worsen fluid loss through urine.

Shut-ins and older relatives need close attention. Age weakens the body’s temperature control and dulls thirst, so waiting until someone feels thirsty can mean they are already in trouble. Young children also need careful watching: they have more surface area relative to body weight and less reliable temperature regulation.

Early warning signs of heat trouble include thirst, weakness, dry skin and mouth, and feeling faint. Dark, concentrated urine and dry skin or mouth point to dehydration; by then, he said, a person may already be about 10 per cent behind on fluids. A skin-pinch test that leaves a fold standing indicates severe dehydration and, in children, once signalled the need for intravenous fluids rather than drinks alone.

Outdoor workers such as construction crews and vendors should rotate short spells in the sun with time in the shade, drink regularly, and cover up with a hat and gloves where practical. Families should check on elderly parents often, ensure they have water, and help them stay mobile rather than leaving them confined to bed.

Jamaica is not facing European-style extremes where sealed winter homes trap heat, Dr. Doors noted, and open windows still help. Fans can push hot air, while air conditioning can dry the skin, so extra water—or a humidifier—matters indoors. He recalled feeling weak on a walk and needing air conditioning before he could continue, underscoring how quickly the current heat can overwhelm even healthy adults.