FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm Polly.Carver-Kimm@idph.iowa.gov
Warmer Weather Prompts Public Health Reminder
With temperatures expected to rise near or above 90
degrees beginning today and lasting through the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans to keep health in mind
during the hot weather.
“People suffer
heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded.
The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating
just isn’t enough,” said IPDH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Although
people with cardiac and other medical problems are especially at risk, even young and healthy individuals can have a
heat-related illness if they are very active during hot weather or the heat
index is very high.” To protect your health when temperatures and humidity are
high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are
important:
- Increase fluid
intake, regardless of your activity level. The best way to tell you are
well-hydrated is if your urine is light yellow. If it gets dark, stop and
rehydrate by drinking water immediately.
- If experiencing a
lot of sweating, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and
salty crackers, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts such as
sports drinks and special rehydration fluids.
- Choose
lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen.
- Wear hats that
shade your face such as sun hats, visors, etc.
- Keep in the shade
or air conditioned areas as much as possible.
- Work slowly if
you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity. Stop immediately
if you get dizzy, nauseated or feel weak. Go into an air conditioned space and
drink cool liquids.
- Use a buddy
system. Watch others for heat-induced illness, since some people may not
realize that they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused
or lose consciousness.
As
Iowans enjoy more outdoor recreational opportunities and events, it’s important
to remember some basic summer safety guidelines, which can be summarized with
the word “SHADE”:
-
S – Sunscreen. Put on sunscreen with a sun protective
factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day, especially if
swimming or sweating.
-
H – Heat safety. Drink lots of water and other
non-alcoholic, sugar-free fluids; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when
outdoors, especially when active; and when temperatures soar, stay in the shade
or air conditioning as much as possible.
-
A – Animal contact. Remember to wash your hands after
touching animals at places like petting zoos or county fairs. Avoid stray and
wild animals; they may carry diseases like rabies.
-
D – DEET. To
prevent being bitten by ticks and mosquitoes that can carry diseases like Lyme
disease and West Nile virus, use insect repellent with DEET (follow the label
directions when using, especially on children).
-
E – Eating outdoors. Grill all meats until thoroughly
cooked and always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
For
more information about preventing hot weather health, visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat/.
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