Page 8 - Mecklenburg_Medicine_June-2018
P. 8
Member News Beat the Heat
Welton Society Dog DaysDuringthe
Spring Luncheon of Summer
The Welton Society Spring Luncheon was held April 26 n Avoid the Heat.
at the Charlotte Country Club. William E. Downey, MD, a
cardiology specialist with Atrium Health and graduate of Stay out of the heat and indoors as much as possible. Spend
time in an air-conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an
Duke University, was the speaker. His topic was air-conditioned space can reduce the risk of heat-related illness
“Interventional Cardiology 2018 and Beyond.” significantly. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-
The Welton Society has a spring and a fall luncheon for conditioned. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest
Emeritus and early retired members of the MCMS. floor out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool,
they just blow hot air around.
The More You Know ...
A Brief History of the Welton Society n Dress for the Heat.
In the 1980s, David G. Welton, MD, a dermatologist Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
and concert pianist, occasionally invited a few of his Choose lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and
colleagues to lunch and a piano concert at Charlotte sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your
Country Club. In the early 1990s, Dr. Welton asked his face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much
fellow musician, Larry Boggs, MD, and his neighbor, Tom sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a
Dulin, MD, to help him expand the luncheon at Charlotte sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
Country Club to include all retired local physicians. It was
decided that two meetings a year, March and September, n Drink FOR the Heat.
with a medical-related speaker would be the appropriate
agenda. The initial gatherings, which immediately were Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel
popular, were called “The Retired Physicians Group.” thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the
After Welton’s death in 1995, it was thought appropriate rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses
to honor the lead “founder” of the group by changing the water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart,
name to the Welton Society. As the city has grown, so has kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a
the number of Emeritus members of the Mecklenburg problem with fluid retention, you should consult a doctor before
County Medical Society. Today, there are about 250 increasing liquid intake.
potential attendees at the biannual meetings. The members
who do attend these meetings thoroughly enjoy their n Do not drink IN the Heat.
interactions with colleagues of prior years. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee,
tea and cola. Alcohol and caffeine constrict blood vessels near the skin
8 | June 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine reducing the amount of heat the body can release. Although beer and
alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further
body dehydration.
n Eat for the Heat.
Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein
because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets, unless
directed to do so by a physician.
n Living in the Heat.
Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous
activities such as running, biking and lawn care work when
it heats up. The best times for such activities are during early
morning and late evening hours. Take cool baths or showers
and use cool, wet towels.