Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Release Date: July 7, 2010
End Date: July 14, 2010
Contact Person: Gary Johnson, MD, MPH, Medical Director
Phone: 810-257-3812
RE: Extreme Heat
Summer often brings very high temperatures that may
last for days or weeks. A heat wave can cause severe heat-related illness,
such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Very high body temperatures may
damage the brain, other vital organs or cause death. Recently, at least a
dozen people in Genesee County have visited an emergency department due to
heat-related illnesses including severe sunburn, dehydration, and possible
heat stroke. The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is reminding
everyone that prevention is the best defense against heat-related illnesses.
By keeping cool you and your family lessen the risk of becoming a victim of
heat-related illness.
The following tips are important for hot summer days.
·
Drink
plenty of fluids, especially during heavy exertion. During hot weather you
should drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids. Avoid drinks with alcohol, which
increase fluid loss.
·
Wear
appropriate clothing. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF)
number of 15 or higher.
·
Limit
physical activities. Rest often. Plan outdoor activities before noon or in
the evening.
·
Pace
yourself. In a hot environment, it is safer to work slowly and gradually
pick up your pace. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your
co-workers and have someone do the same for you. 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.
·
Visit
a mall, grocery store, department store, movie theatre, senior center, or
other air-conditioned facility to cool off.
Some
people are at greater risk of suffering from a heat-related illness
including infants and young children, people aged 65 years or older, people
who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill, especially with
heart disease or high blood pressure. Those 65 years of age or older should
have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat
wave. If you know anyone who is at higher risk of a heat-related illness
check on them regularly. Seek medical assistance if you or anyone is
suffering from severe symptoms of a heat-related illness.
For more information about heat-related illnesses see
the GCHD website at
www.gchd.us .
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