San Andreas
[July 10, 2012] – The Calaveras County Public Health Department has issued
recommendations to prevent heat – related illness. Temperatures are expected to hit the century
mark today and through the remainder of the week. Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer,
urged residents to take actions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Persons at higher
risk of heat illness have health conditions such as obesity, fever,
dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, or use drugs or alcohol. These
conditions can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather.
During this
heat wave, be sure to:
·
Get plenty to drink
o Have water
available for yourself, those with you when you leave your home
o Drink more
water, juice & sports drinks
o Avoid
drinks with caffeine [tea, coffee and cola] & alcohol
o Provide
water for pets
·
Stay cool, stay indoors
o Stay in an
air conditioned area if possible
o If you do
not have air conditioning, go to a building with air conditioning
o Take a cool
shower or bath
·
Wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors
o Choose
lightweight, light-colored & loose-fitting clothing
o Wear a
wide-brimmed hat to keep your head cool
o Be sure to
use sun-screen when outside for sun protection [SPF 15 or higher] & reapply
every two hours when in the sun
·
Plan outdoor activities
o Avoid being
out during the hottest part of the day
o Rest often
in a shady area
o Never leave
children or pets in a parked car
·
Pace yourself when active
o Take
frequent, regularly scheduled breaks
o If your
heart pounds, you become out of breath, lightheaded, confused, weak or faint,
stop your activity and rest in a cool or shady area
·
Use a buddy system during a heat wave
o Check on
friends and family, especially the elderly or those with health conditions
twice a day
o Have others
check on you
“The
warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea
or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting,” stated Dr. Kelaita.
Residents should seek medical attention if they have these signs of illness.
For
more information about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, visit www.calaveraspublichealth.com or call Public Health at 209.754.6460.
