Las Vegas residents prepare for summer heat as doctors warn certain medications can increase risk

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]As temperatures begin to climb across the Las Vegas Valley, residents here at Exploration Peak Park in Mountain's Edge tells me that they're preparing for summer heat. But doctors say staying safe in extreme temperatures go beyond drinking water, especially for those taking medications. You get it wet, you soak it, and then you shake it. It does help me feel a little cooler.

[00:00:20]>> With Memorial Day weekend kicking off the unofficial start of summer, Southwest Las Vegas residents say they're finding creative ways to beat the heat. Actually, what my favorite thing is when I know it's going to be very hot, I'll put ice cubes in a plastic bag and I'll keep that on my head and then when I'm jogging and I get up there, I take the the bag out and it's pretty melted and I drink it.

[00:00:40]>> Others say they're looking for simple ways to keep their families cool outside.

[00:00:45]>> Is one, the temperature is rising, so trying to stay cool bring it to the little splash part.

[00:00:49]>> Local physician Dr. Syra Mimmude says people should take extra precautions as temperatures rise, including staying hydrated and limiting time outside during the hottest parts of the day.

[00:01:00]>> Hydration, hydration, hydration. That's going to be the most important thing.

[00:01:04]>> But she says some people may face a higher risk of heat related illness, especially those taking certain prescription or allergy medications.

[00:01:12]patients specifically taking diuretics, which is a water pill. Um they're at higher risk for dehydration, antihistamine, allergy medications, those are antiolinergic medications.

[00:01:23]Those can decrease your ability to sweat and so dehydration is a risk for that.

[00:01:27]>> She says even popular weight loss drugs like Ozimpic and Wiggoi can increase the risk of dehydration.

[00:01:34]>> They decrease your appetite. Um and so you will often times have decreased oral hydration because of that. Patients sometimes with those medications also will have abdominal pain, vomiting, and so dehydration from that puts you at risk when you are out in the heat.

[00:01:48]>> Some residents taking medications tell me they're already taking extra precaution.

[00:01:53]>> Well, we wore our hats and we have uh some water with some propel in it for you know the electrolytes to replace those. Doctors say the best things people could do to protect themselves during extreme heat is stay hydrated, limit your time outside during peak afternoon hours, and listen to your body. In Southwest Las Vegas, I'm Shakira Hawkins.