STOCKTON, Calif. (KTXL) – Children and the elderly are at greatest risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but anyone can be affected.

The high temperatures this week have caused some to rethink their daily routines.

“Since COVID started, I have started walking, I walk every day,” Rosie Pedrini told FOX40 on Wednesday, during one of her walks in Victory Park.

But the heatwave forced him to adapt to stay cool.

“I walk quite a bit here. Today I brought my sister-in-law and we thought we would walk before it got too hot, because tomorrow and Friday it will be very hot, ”said Pedrini.

Doctors advise those who spend a lot of time in the sun to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as excessive sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, and an elevated heart rate.

Emergency physicians at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento and Oakland told FOX40 about the best ways to stay safe during the heat wave.

“If you don’t recognize it, it can really lead to really bad results, ”warned Dr. Ronn Berrol, medical director of the emergency department at the Oakland campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

“We know it is very hot in the Central Valley between noon and four o’clock, so try to avoid exposing yourself to the sun, direct sunlight during this time,” advised Dr Arthur Jey, an emergency doctor at Sutter. Medical Center in Sacramento and Roseville Medical Center. “Hydration, timing, good clothes where air can circulate, a hat and sunscreen will all protect you. “

Doctors say don’t leave the house without putting on sunscreen. They recommend an SPF 30 or higher and say remember to reapply every few hours.

“If you have a burn to your skin, it inhibits or prevents the body’s natural cooling mechanisms from working effectively,” Berrol explained.

Triple-digit temperatures are expected to last until the end of this weekend.

Doctors’ advice for people with symptoms of heat-related illness is to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.

“We prefer that they arrive early and that it’s a false alarm because that’s when you have the opportunity to deal with the earliest when someone arrives,” Berrol said.

While Pedrini prefers to spend her time outdoors, she says she’s counting the days until the heatwave ends.

“I don’t like the heat,” she said. “I don’t like it that hot.”

Doctors also recommend watching over each other and checking on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may be vulnerable to the heat.