From the Nevada County Public Health Department:
As we are well into the summer months, the Public Health Department would like to remind Nevada County residents that hot weather and heat can impact your health and safety. When the temperature is very hot outside, your body may not be able to regulate its normal temperature efficiently. This can cause you to become ill. Poor air quality days, characterized by high levels of ozone, make you more susceptible. Some individuals are particularly at risk such as children under five years of age, adults over sixty-five years of age, pregnant women, people with illness (especially lung or heart disease) and people on certain medications.
It is important to take precautions to protect yourself from the dangers of hot weather:
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have been sweating excessively, consider sports drinks that replace salt and minerals. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Wear loose-fitting, light weight clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen. Sunburn decreases your body’s ability to regulate heat and thus increases your chance of becoming ill.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Plan outdoor games early in the morning or evening.
- Stay cool indoors. Consider a trip to the movies, shopping, library or other air conditioned location.
- Use a buddy system. When working in heat, monitor your co-workers and have them check on you. Also check in regularly with family, friends and neighbors who might be at risk.
With heat-induced illness your body may cease proper regulation. This can result in confusion and if severe, in death. Watch for the following signs:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
If you develop any of these symptoms, get to a cool environment immediately. Obtain medical care if these symptoms persist for more than an hour. If symptoms worsen and/or include a very high body temperature (oral thermometer registers 103 degrees); red, hot, dry skin or the absence of sweating; the loss of consciousness or convulsions, seek emergency medical treatment.
For additional information, view the Centers for Disease Control presentation on Extreme Heat at:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/pdf/heat_guide.pdf
Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 6:08PM