Heated related illnesses fill up Sioux City emergency rooms - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The heat is hitting Siouxlanders pretty hard; physically. Both Sioux City hospitals say their ERs are full and it's directly related to the sweltering temps.

At Mercy Medical Center, hospital workers are treating patients with heat stroke and heat stress. That's when your body's temperature is between 101 and a half to 103 degrees.

Dr. Tom Benzoni with Mercy Medical Center says it's pretty unusual to see so many patients with the condition.

Benzoni suggests if you have to be outside, especially working, slow down. Your body generates heat but has no way of cooling off when it's so hot. Stay out of the sun, and avoid sugar and alcohol.

At St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, workers are seeing a lot of dehydrated patients; both kids and adults. They say they have also treated people for heat related seizures.

They suggest drinking a lot of water, even if you aren't thirsty. Wear cool clothing and put a cool wet towel around your neck. That will help cool down your blood vessels.

The hospitals expect to see even more patients this weekend with so many outdoor activities.

If you need a break from the heat both hospitals open up areas where you can go to stay cool, get some water and get out of the sun.