Temperatures are soaring, with heat indexes reaching all-time highs this summer. Dr. Nolan Gartin and Dr. Heather Wilson, new physicians at the Excelsior Springs Hospital, want residents to remain knowledgeable and safe when spending time outdoors. Hydration is critical when temperatures soar, as is dressing appropriately and wearing sunscreen. Wilson said a good rule of thumb for drinking enough water would be to divide your weight in half and that’s how many ounces of water a day someone should drink. Wilson also recommends drinking an extra glass of water when your body temperature is over 98.6 degrees because of the heart outdoors due to physical activity or working, especially athletes. “When someone is outside in the heat, they have to increase water intake even more and incorporate electrolytes like Gatorade to avoid heat cramps,” Wilson said. She recommends hydrating well and avoiding sugary drinks and caffeine in excessive heat because they both aid in dehydration. …