DC Department of Health Offers Healthy Heat Tips

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Residents should be reminded that these hot and humid conditions can cause many medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke.

With current temperatures escalating and heat indexes expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees, the DC Department of Health (DOH) reminds residents of the importance of staying healthy in the heat during this period of high temperatures. Residents should be reminded that these hot and humid conditions can cause many medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke; therefore residents are advised to take caution when outdoors in the extreme heat. Below are tips on how residents can stay healthy in the heat.

DOH Tips for Staying Healthy and Cool in the Heat:

Drink plenty of water

Stay out of the sun

Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar

Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, light colored and breathable, such as cotton

Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella

Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches

Wear sunscreen

Schedule outdoor activities carefully

Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car

Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area

If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit the District recreation center, library, or senior center closest to you

During this heat wave, it is important for residents to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, as well as be aware of the various ways to avoid these heat-related illnesses.

Heat stroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. This is a true medical emergency, call 911.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache, heavy sweating, paleness and dizziness. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.

Residents should also keep a close watch on children and pets as temperatures heat-up and heat indexes reach triple digits.

Tips to Avoid Leaving Children and Pets in Parked Cars

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Groups at greatest risk for heat-related illness:

Infants

Children up to four years of age
People 65 years of age and older
People who are overweight
People who are ill or on certain medications.

Groups at greatest risk should be monitored carefully, and their environments should be regulated. The CDC recommends that adults at greatest risk be closely monitored and visited at least twice a day to view for possible signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children should also be closely monitored.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a heat related illness, please call 911.

For more information on heat-related illness prevention, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.