07/16/2026
In case you missed it: Sarah E. Breon, D.O., a family medicine physician at LECOM Corry Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinic, was interviewed a few weeks ago in The Corry Journal about extreme heat conditions.
"Dr. Breon said extreme heat is dangerous because it overwhelms the body's ability to regulate its own temperature. Heavy sweating leads to rapid fluid and salt loss, and without enough water, the body can no longer cool itself effectively, causing core temperature to spike.
"As the body tries to compensate, blood vessels widen and push blood toward the skin, which lowers blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder, raising the risk of heart attack. Once body temperature climbs past 104 degrees, heatstroke can set in, a medical emergency that can cause seizures, unconsciousness and lasting damage to the brain, kidneys and liver.
"High humidity makes the danger worse, Breon said, because it prevents sweat from evaporating off the skin, which is the body's main cooling mechanism.
"Early warning signs of heat-related illness include excessive thirst, fatigue, heavy sweating, dizziness and muscle cramps, Breon said. She said people should stop trying to push through the heat and seek medical attention if they become short of breath, cannot get their pulse below 100 beats per minute, notice their heart skipping beats or stop sweating altogether.
"Breon said outdoor workers, young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions such as heart or kidney disease face significantly higher danger during a heat wave.
"For elderly relatives or neighbors who live alone, Breon cautioned that water alone isn't enough to keep them safe. Families should check in directly rather than assume hydration alone will protect them.
"Young children are especially vulnerable because their bodies don't regulate temperature as well as adults', Breon said, and kids often can't tell the difference between feeling thirsty and feeling hungry.
"People managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or respiratory illness can see their blood pressure and pulse rise quickly in extreme heat, Breon explained, and some of the medications used to treat those conditions can add to the risk. She specifically pointed to antihistamines and diuretics, including water pills and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body further.
"Breon's advice on hydration goes beyond just drinking more water — she said replacing electrolytes is just as important. She also recommended avoiding outdoor work or exercise during the middle of the day when possible.
"For households without air conditioning, Breon suggested managing airflow strategically: blocking out sun during the day to trap cool air, then positioning fans at night to pull hot air out while drawing in cooler air from outside. Homes with basements can place a fan at the bottom of the stairs to help circulate the naturally cooler air upward.
"Breon also warned against underestimating how quickly a parked car can become dangerous. A vehicle's interior can reach unsafe temperatures in as little as 10 to 20 minutes regardless of whether it's sunny or mild outside, she said, with about 80% of that temperature spike happening in the first half hour.
"Residents without reliable air conditioning can find nearby cooling centers by calling 2-1-1 or using the PA 211 Service Map. Public libraries, malls and recreation centers often serve as cooling sites across the state, and Erie currently has three centers set up.
"Breon urged Corry-area residents not to wait to stock up on ice, water and air conditioners or fans, noting those supplies tend to sell out quickly once a heat wave sets in.
"She also pushed back on a common misconception: people often judge heat risk by temperature alone, without accounting for humidity and direct sun exposure. It's possible, she said, to suffer heat stroke even while still sweating."
Erie and Crawford counties are currently under a heat advisory, issued Tuesday at 12 p.m. and set to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
