Putnam County Department of Health Offers Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy During a Heat Wave

BREWSTER, NY— When high temperatures and high humidity combine to make it feel above 94 or 95 degrees, special care must be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Staying cool and hydrated is key. Here are some tips from the Putnam County Department of Health:

Choose appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing is best.
Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, a cool shower or bath can help, or visit a cooling center for more extended relief. Homes without air conditioning can be hotter than outdoor spaces.
Drink plain water or sports drinks, which can help replace salt and minerals lost during heavy sweating. Best to avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks which can be dehydrating.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk for heat-related illnesses.
Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
If you have a chronic health condition or follow a special diet, speak to a healthcare provider about how to stay hydrated during extreme heat.
Limit outdoor activities. If you must go out, schedule them for morning or evening when it is cooler. To reduce risk during outdoor work, frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments are recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down.

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps are all related illnesses that increase when temperatures rise. Heat stroke is the most serious and requires emergency medical care. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of 106°F or higher, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness, and red, hot, dry, or damp skin. If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately and move the individual to a cooler location. Lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.

Heat exhaustion is a less severe heat-related illness. Symptoms are cold, pale, clammy skin, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and muscle cramps. A person with heat exhaustion should move to a cooler location, sip on water, and apply cool cloths or take a cool bath. If symptoms continue for more than an hour, get medical help right away. Heat cramps can occur in the arms, abdomen or legs. Treatment includes rest and drinking water. Again, if symptoms continue for more than an hour, get medical help.

For more information about staying healthy in hot weather, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html