Keeping cool and healthy

It has been a hot couple days — really hot — in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, as temperatures have soared into the 90s and air conditioners hummed all over town.

Things got so heated in Costa Mesa Thursday that the Downtown Recreation Center created a “cooling center” for residents in its multipurpose room.

As the heat wave continues, Dr. Eric Alcouloumre, an emergency department physician at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, advised residents to drink twice as much water as usual, wear sunscreen and hats outdoors and avoid strenuous exercise.

In addition, he advised residents to check on small children and elderly loved ones, who are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

— Michael Miller