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CONTACT: Jamey Durham
(334) 206-5634
As extreme heat and oppressively high humidity envelop many parts of the nation, the Alabama Department of Public Health reminds the public to always exercise caution on dangerously hot summer days to avoid heat-related illnesses.
“Be sure to stay hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids and limit any strenuous activities to the cooler parts of the day,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “Pace yourself and be alert to the warning signs of illnesses which occur when the body’s temperature control system becomes overloaded. If you feel faint or weak, go to a cool place. While most people recover from heat-related illness, untreated heat stroke can result in death or permanent disability.”
Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
People should drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned places, and keep out of the sun. The public should also check on elderly relatives, neighbors and friends, and ensure pets have plenty of water to drink and shade to cool off. Everyone needs to adjust their activities and be alert to warnings that signal when help is needed.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but include the following:
First aid recommendations are to get the person to a shady area, cool rapidly in a tub of cool water, place in a cool shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose, splash with cool water, or, if the humidity is low, place in a cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the person’s body temperature drops to 101 to 102 degrees F. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. A person with heat stroke is likely to be unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she cannot safely consume any liquids. Under no circumstance should a person with heat stroke or any heat-related illness be given alcoholic beverages.
Follow these tips to avoid heat-related illnesses:
People with heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, a previous stroke or obesity are at greater risk of becoming ill in hot weather. The risk of heat-related illness may increase among people using medications for high blood pressure, nervousness or depression because their medications increase sensitivity to high temperatures.
For more information about the prevention of heat illnesses, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/heat.html
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.