Heat Related Illness

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 To Avoid Heat-Related Illness, the Chester County Health Department Recommends the following steps:

 

Avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas as much as possible. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering and do your work/exercise in the coolest early morning hours. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, but it will also provide a shield for your eyes.

Use air conditioners and/or fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air. Close shades or curtains on the sunny side of the house.

Those taking regular medications should consult with their physician or pharmacist. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in the hot weather, while others actually deteriorate in the heat and may not have their usual beneficial effect.

Wear lightweight clothing.

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.

Maintain a normal diet.

Shower or bathe in water which is near skin temperature.

Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.

Be aware of places or locales where people having difficulty in dealing with the heat may be able to cool off. Such sites include: air-conditioned stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, some public buildings, senior centers, and in some areas publicly-sponsored shelters.

The early warning signs of heat stress include:

People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing, and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include: unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, loosen or remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, call 911.