Storms that swept through West Virginia last month left many people in a hurry to get damage and debris cleaned up.
"They see their fences are broken and trees are in their driveways or whatever and they just want things to be cleaned up and back to normal," Joseph Lutz, a Physician Assistant at Greenbrier Physicians Clinic, said.
But Lutz said spending too much time outdoors in the heat can jeopardize your health.
"With the extreme heat, that puts them at risk for heat-related injuries," explained Lutz.
He said the best way to beat the heat is to protect yourself from the sun and to stay hydrated.
"Take frequent breaks and make sure that they drink, drink, drink," continued Lutz.
For a healthy person, hydration is key, but working outside or being without electricity is especially dangerous for those with pulmonary problems.
"Patients who have lung disease, usually the environmental factors really affect them," said Dr. Zainab Shamma-Othman. "The increased humidity and high temperature would make them have more spasm in their airway and more short of breath."
During the brunt of the storm, Dr. Shamma-Othman, a Pulmonary Medicine Physician at the clinic, said she saw a dramatic increase in emergency room visits and admissions.
To avoid the ER, take action as soon as your breathing gets worse.
Acting swiftly can save your life, but Lutz reminds you when you're out in the heat, rest more than you ordinarily would and take frequent breaks.
"Slow and steady wins the race," Lutz said. "We can get all our work done. It's just gonna take a little bit longer, but it will be safer."
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