Public Health Alert - Heat Advisory

Public Health Alert - Heat Advisory

As dangerous heat conditions continue to spread throughout the region today and are forecasted to continue through Saturday July 4^th, the Hadley Health Department is issuing the following Public Health Alert. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, residents are being urged to take the appropriate precautions to avoid heat related emergencies.

The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.

TIPS TO PREVENT HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

• Never leave infants or children unattended in a parked car.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty.
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat and sunscreen as needed.
• Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage to replace salts and minerals lost during heavy sweating. (If a client/resident is on a low-sodium diet, check with his/her physician first.)
• During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum and stay indoors in air-conditioning and out of the sun.
• Use fans as needed.
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate when appropriate.
• Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals as they add heat to the body. Eat frozen treats.