SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As the temperatures climb across Western Massachusetts, many are doing whatever they can to stay cool, but a local doctor says some of the ways we try to beat the heat could actually make things worse.

Dr. Ethan Chapin, chief of emergency medicine at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, says an electric fan in the window doesn’t do much more than blow hot air around.

He also says the biggest mistake people make is waiting until they are thirsty to drink. By then, you’re already dehydrated.

He warns that sweating causes you to lose salt, not just water. If you dilute your system with too much plain water without replacing those electrolytes, it can lead to seizures.

Chapin also says you should watch out for your neighbors. If someone seems confused or is stumbling, don’t wait as it could be a sign that their brain is overheating.

“The one thing that should prompt 9-1-1 or, or recognition of a true emergency is if they’re confused,” he said. “That’s why we call it heat stroke, right? Because there’s brain involvement. If they’re acting drunk, if they have slurred speech, they’re confused, they’re stumbling or their gait is changing, that’s a true medical emergency.”

Alcohol is your worst enemy in extreme heat because it acts as diuretic, making you dehydrate even faster, Chapin says.

If you’re headed to a barbecue this weekend, make sure you’re balancing those drinks with plenty of Gatorade or coconut water.

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