During a heat wave the body has to work extra hard to
maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat can result in serious health threats by pushing the human body beyond its limits.
People with disabilities, children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk.
What is Extreme Heat?
·Temperatures that are 10 degrees higher than the average for the area.
Keep cool.
Drink plenty of fluids
·Dont wait until youre thirsty to drink.
·If youre exercising, drink 2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
WARNING: If your doctor usually limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water
pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
·Dont drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar --- these make you lose more body
fluids.
·Avoid very cold drinks. They can cause stomach cramps.
Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Sunburn
·Affects your bodys ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.
·Causes pain and damages skin.
Protect yourself from the sun.
·Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
·Wear sunglasses.
·Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher before going outdoors.
·Continue applying sunscreen periodically while outdoors.
If you have to be outdoors, try to limit your
outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
If youre not used to working or exercising when
its hot out, start out slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
If exercising in the heat makes your heart pound
harder and leaves you gasping for breath,STOP all activity.
Get into a cool area or at least into the shade
and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned
place.
If your home does not have air conditioning, go
to a store 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.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when 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.
Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler
temperature in your house.
Use a Buddy System.
When working in the heat, keep an eye on your
co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become
confused or lose consciousness.
If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend
or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave.
·If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are
at home.
