With
summer comes the certainty of high and even extreme temperatures
that may last for days or weeks.
Such temperatures may reach the high 90s or higher.
These temperatures may be harmful to each of us.
People may even die due to heat-related illness.
Prevention
is the best defense against heat-related illnesses.
By keeping cool and using common sense you and your
family lessen the risk of becoming a victim of heat-related
illness.
The
following tips are important for those hot to extremely hot
summer days.
·
Drink plenty
of fluids. Increase
your fluid intake. If
your doctor has prescribed a fluid restricted diet or diuretics
for you, ask your doctor how much you should drink.
Otherwise, during heavy exercise in a hot environment,
drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Persons 65 years of age and older, should drink more
liquid than thirst indicates.
Avoid very cold beverages because they can cause stomach
cramps.
·
Replace salt
and minerals. Drink
fruit juice or sports beverage during exercise or any work in the
heat. Do not take
salt tablets unless directed by your doctor.
·
Wear
appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
In the house, wear lightweight, light-colored,
loose-fitting clothing. In
the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the
head cool. Outdoors,
use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) number of 15 or
higher to protect yourself adequately.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Reapply according to package directions.
·
Pace
yourself. In a hot
environment, it is safer to work slowly and gradually pick up your
pace. If you feel at
all uncomfortable, STOP all activity, get into a cool area, or at
least in the shade, and rest.
·
Stay cool
indoors. The most
efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned
area. When the temperature is in the high 90s or higher, a
fan will not prevent heat related illness.
A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.
·
Use a buddy
system! This is very
important. When
working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and
have someone do the same for you.
If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or
relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave.
If you know anyone in this age group, check on them at
least twice a day.
·
Visit a
mall, grocery store, department store, movie theatre, or other air
conditioned facility to cool off.
Who=s
at greatest risk of heat-related illness?
·
infants and
children up to four years of age,
·
people 65
years of age or older,
·
people who
are overweight,
·
people who
overexert during work or exercise, and
·
people who
are ill or on certain medications.
Some
final points to remember during extreme summer heat:
·
Infants and children up to four years of age are
sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others
to regulate their environment and provide adequate liquids. Dress infants and young children in cool, loose clothing and
shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours and in places of
potential severe exposure such as beaches.
Ensure that infants and children drink adequate amounts of
liquids. Never leave
infants or children in a parked car.
·
Never leave pets in a parked car.
Give them plenty of fresh water and leave the water in a
shady area.
·
If you spot someone with a hot weather health
emergency (for example, heat stoke, or heat exhaustion), seek
immediate medical assistance for that person.
Release Date: For immediate release
Kill Date:
July 27, 2001
Contact Person: Robert Pestronk, Health Officer
Genesee County Health DepartmentPhone: (810) 257-3588
