June 25, 2009
Heat Rises to
Dangerous Levels in Harris County
The best defense against
heat-related illness is prevention!
Heat-related illnesses occur when your body is unable to properly cool
itself. Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, the
following people are at greater risk than others:
-
Infants and children up to four years
-
People 65 years of age or older
-
People who are overweight
-
People who over exercise
-
People who are ill or who take certain
medications
Learning the warning
signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion is very important because very
high body temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs..
-
Heat exhaustion: muscle cramps;
headache; heavy sweating; tiredness; dizziness; nausea or vomiting;
weak or rapid pulse; and/or pale skin color
-
Heat stroke: hot, dry, red skin;
no sweating; dilated pupils; loss of consciousness; nausea; very
high temperature; rapid heart beat; confusion; throbbing headache
and/or dizziness.
Keeping cool is the
number one defense against heat-related illnesses and death. If you
have an air conditioning unit – turn it on. Exposure to
air-conditioning for even a few hours will reduce the risk for getting a
heat-related illness. If air conditioning is not available, pull shades
over windows, close the blinds and use fans to cool rooms. If you have
a box fan, place it next to a window and open another window on the
opposite side of the room to create cross ventilation. In addition to
staying in a cool space, drink plenty of water.
Staying cool and drinking water are the best ways to
prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
To learn
more about heat-related illnesses, warning signs and tips for staying
healthy go to www.hcphes.org,
click on Summer Health and Safety, and then Beat the Heat.
Heat
Illnesses Can Be Serious
Protect
Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets
- Drink a lot of water (even when you are not thirsty).
By the time you realize you are thirsty, your body’s water supply is
already lower than it should be. Drinking sports drinks can replace the
salt and potassium that may be lost by sweating. WARNING: If you are on
a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports
beverage.
- At the first signs of heat illness, get out of the sun or your body
temperature will continue to rise. (For more information on heat
illnesses go to www.hcphes.org)
- Do not drink alcohol and avoid drinks with caffeine because they can
speed up water loss.
- Limit outdoor exercise and outdoor work, if possible.
- If you must go outside, try to do so either in the morning or in the
evening. While outside, take frequent breaks and find air-conditioned
places or shady areas where you can rest. This will give your body a
chance to recover.
- Use the Buddy System. If you have to go out in the heat, go with
someone. Heat illnesses can cause confusion and a loss of consciousness.
- Wear light, loose fitting clothing and a hat with vents such as straw
hats.
- Take cool showers to cool off.
- If your heart begins to pound, you become lightheaded, confused, weak
or faint, STOP ALL ACTIVITY!! GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE!! Go to a
cool area or get in the shade and rest.
- Pets can also suffer from excessive heat.
Make sure your pets have adequate drinking water and a shady place
to rest.
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