Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/08/2008 11:24 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/08/2008 11:26 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Public Health Facts on How To Prevent Heat Illness
Who is at risk of heat illness? A heat wave with high day time and evening temperature that last a few days, can be a serious health concern for some people. Heat related illness occurs when the body temperature rises rapidly and the body cannot cool itself with just sweating. Groups that are more likely to experience heat illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are....
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Infants & children up to four years of age
Elderly
People with certain chronic health problems [heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity]
People taking medications that interfere with the body’s ability to cool down [diuretics, some kidney or heart medications]
How can heat illness be prevented?
Taking a few extra precautions can limit the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, low sugar drinks without caffeine
Plan exercise and outdoor activities during cooler times of the day
Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors twice a day
Wear light weight, loose, light colored clothing
Spend time in an air conditioned place each day if you do not have air conditioning [Libraries, stores, restaurants]
Never leave children and pets in a vehicle alone for any length of time
What are signs of heat illness?
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat illness. Elderly people, people with high blood pressure or those who work/exercise in the heat are at risk of heat exhaustion.
Watch for these warning signs:
Heavy sweating
Headache, muscle cramps
Dizziness, weakness, fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Victims of heat exhaustion need to cool off to avoid heat stroke by taking a cool shower or bath, moving to an air conditioned area, drinking cool, non-alcoholic fluid, changing into light weight clothes and resting.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious heat illness that can lead to death. Heat stroke is always a medical emergency. The body temperature increases and the body does not sweat to cool down. This can happen quickly under the right conditions. Recognize the signs of heat stroke:
Body temperature over 103°
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Headache, dizziness, nausea
If these signs occur, act immediately
Call 911
Cool the victim off rapidly – Cool with water, wrap in cool wet towels
Move to air conditioning or a shady place
Fan vigorously if water is not available
For more information about heat illness prevention or this fact sheet, call Public Health or go to the web site at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.
Physical Address: 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2, San Andreas, CA
Phone: [209] 754.6460 or 1.800.754.8889
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