Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District
ALBANY – Southwest Georgia, like much of the rest of the country, is sweltering under record-breaking heat – and residents will benefit by recognizing and responding promptly to warning signs of heat-related illness.
“High temperatures, combined with high humidity, can create a health hazard,” said Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis. “When we are experiencing a heat wave, we need to take appropriate precautions.”
Ruis emphasized that the self-help measures he provides are not a substitute for medical care. “However, they may help you recognize and respond promptly to symptoms of extreme heat, so you can stay safe and healthy,” he said.
His recommendations:
* Drink more fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are active. If your doctor limits the amount you drink, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.
* Sugary or alcoholic drinks are not the best choices for hot-weather beverages as they may actually cause you to lose more bodily fluid.
* Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place if possible. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, spend time at a library, mall or other air-conditioned facility. During heat waves, check with the Emergency Management Agency or Public Health to see if heat-relief shelters are available.
* Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
* Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or going to an air-conditioned area is a better way to cool off.
“Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others,” Ruis said. “Check regularly on infants and young children, people 65 and older, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill-especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure.”
If you must be out in the heat, he added:
* Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
* Cut down on outdoor exercise. If you must exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
* Pace yourself; try to rest often in shady areas.
* Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. The most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels.
* Replace salt and minerals. A sports drink may be effective. If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, have high blood pressure or other chronic conditions, consult your doctor before drinking sports beverages.
Ruis also reminded residents that heat stroke, in which the body is no longer able to cool itself, is a medical emergency.
Symptoms of heat-stroke include:
* High temperature (above 103 degrees F., orally)
* Red, hot and dry skin with no sweating
* Rapid, strong pulse
* Throbbing headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Confusion
* Unconsciousness
“If these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately,” said Ruis. “Meanwhile, get the victim out of the sun, cool the victim with whatever means are available, and if emergency personnel are delayed, call them for additional instructions. Heat stroke is a life-and-death emergency.”
More information is available at http://www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org and at
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.
