By Virgina Zombek
(Wampsville, NY – July 22, 2011) With this week’s higher than normal temperatures, The Madison County Health Department urges residents to follow the tips below to protect themselves from the dangers of sun and heat while still enjoying summer activities.
Excessive heat is dangerous to people’s health. Each year, more people on average die in the U.S. from heat waves than from any other natural disaster.
To avoid heat exhaustion and, follow these steps to stay cool and safe this summer:
*Stay hydrated. Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
*Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
*Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
*Do not rely on fans to lower body temperature. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
*Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure.
*Teach heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the elderly, remind them to be safe in the heat. Watch for signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.
*NEVER leave anyone (including pets) in a parked vehicle, even with the windows down.
More information on extreme heat events: http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/extremeheat.html.
Information on sun safety tips: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise.
Virginia Zombek is a public health educator for Madison County.
