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For your safety! Please read



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Chava Golar




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Jul 06 2010, 11:54 am
David A. Papi

Director-Health Officer

Ronald G. Rios

Freeholder Deputy Director
Chairperson, Committee of
Public Health & Education


MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

732-745-3100

FACT SHEET


Extreme Heat Illness and Prevention
(Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion)

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and it occurs when the body is unable to cool down.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Who is at greatest risk of heat-related illness?

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than
others. Check regularly on:


Infants and young children

People aged 65 or older

People who have a mental illness

Those who are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure)
Other conditions related to risk include: Obesity, fever, dehydration, poor circulation, sunburn, and
prescription drug and alcohol use.

What are the warning signs of heat stroke?

Warning signs vary but may include the following:


An extremely high body temperature · Dizziness
(above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally) · Nausea

Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) · Confusion

Rapid, strong pulse · Unconsciousness

Throbbing headache
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone
call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:


Get the victim to a shady area.

Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub
of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden
hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet
sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101102°
F.

If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further
instructions.

Do not give the victim fluids to drink.

Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Extreme Heat 5-10


What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of
the water and salt contained in sweat that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures

and inadequate or unbalanced replacements of fluids.

What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:


Heavy sweating

Paleness

Muscle cramps

Tiredness

Weakness

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Fainting
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak and breathing will be fast
and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention
immediately if any of the following occurs:


Symptoms are severe

The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer
than 1 hour.

Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:


Cool, nonalcoholic beverages · An air-conditioned environment

Rest · Lightweight clothing

Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
How can I protect myself, others, and pets from extreme heat?

To protect the health of yourself, others, and pets when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool
and use common sense. The following tips are important:


Stay cool indoors
o
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death
o
If your home does not have air-conditioning, call your local Police Department, Office of
Emergency Management, or Health Department to see if there are Cooling Centers in your area.

Drink plenty of fluids

Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar

Provide cool water for your pets

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals

Replace salts and minerals

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors

Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply according to package
directions

Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours

Pace yourself

Do not wait in or leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car

Use a buddy system

Monitor those at high risk
Source of information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

Extreme Heat 5-10

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Chava Golar




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Jul 06 2010, 11:55 am
David A. Papi

Director-Health Officer

Ronald G. Rios

Freeholder Deputy Director
Chairperson, Committee of
Public Health & Education


MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

732-745-3100

Hot Weather Tips

Extreme Heat Prevention

To protect the health of yourself, others, and pets when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep
cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:


Get informed (listen to local news and weather)

Stay cool indoors
o
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death
o
If your home does not have air-conditioning, call your local Police Department, Office of
Emergency Management or Health Department to see if there are Cooling Centers in your area

Drink plenty of fluids
o Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink when the weather is hot

Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar

Avoid very cold liquids

Replace salts and minerals
o
A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a
low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Talk to your doctor about the effects of prescription medicines you are taking

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals

Use your stove and oven less

Take a cool shower or bath

Rest

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors

Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply according to
package directions

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours

When outdoors try to rest often in shady areas

Pace yourself

Do not engage in strenuous activities

Use a buddy system

Monitor those at high risk (infants and children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental
illness; and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure)

Do not wait in or leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car

Provide cool water for your pets
Source of information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

Extreme Heat 5-10

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