Douglas County Health Department Has Advice As Hot Summer Arrives

 

          Outdoor living is popular in Douglas County, but the heat and humidity can create some potentially dangerous conditions. As summer arrives Wednesday, June 20, with some extremely warm temperatures already having visited the region, the Douglas County Health Department has a few suggestions to help you avoid heat-related illnesses.

 

            Remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.

 

• Never leave a person or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Take advantage of air conditioning to cool off.
• Drink plenty of fluids, with water always the first and best option.
• Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• Outdoor activities, including sports, should be limited to the cooler morning and evening hours.

·         Check on your elderly neighbors and watch others around you when outdoors.

• Wear light-colored clothing and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outside.
• Monitor your local news sources for weather updates and health tips.

 

      While no one is immune to heat-related illness, the young, the elderly and people already experiencing medical conditions are at a greater risk of developing problems. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious issues.

 

      Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; a pulse that is faint and weak; nausea or vomiting and fainting. If someone is experiencing those symptoms, move the person to a cooler location and lie them down, loosen their clothing, have them sip water and apply cool, wet cloth to as much of the body as possible. If they have vomited and that continues, seek immediate medical attention.   

 

      Heat stroke victims will have a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot and red skin that may be moist or dry, a rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.  This is a medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment and reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Do not give them fluids.

 

      With the summer just getting started, physically challenging conditions can be expected for many weeks to come and it is important to plan now for coping with extreme conditions.