Health officials: Take care in extreme heat

With heat warnings or advisories currently in effect, Goodhue County health officials remind people that extreme heat can affect your health.

Please consider the following to help protect yourself and your family during these extremely hot days:

• Drink more fluids than usual – but avoid fluids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Check with your doctor if you have been advised to limit your intake of fluids or placed on diuretics (“water pills”).

• Stay indoors – in an air-conditioned location, if possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, spending a few hours a day in an air-conditioned public place like a public library, shopping mall, or senior center will help your body cope with the heat.

• Don’t rely on electric fans. Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illnesses when the temperature reaches the high 90s and above.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Never leave people, children – or animals – in a closed, parked vehicle, even with the windows open.

• Limit physical exercise. Again, when you do exercise, be sure to take in plenty of fluids.

• Taking a cool bath or shower can be an effective way to cool off.

• When you’re outdoors, wear hats and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Go to shady areas.

• Check regularly on people who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness – infants and young children, people over 65, people with mental illness, and people with chronic health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure.

Signs of heat-related illnesses vary but can include the following: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless immediately treated. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid breathing; racing heart rate; headache; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately.

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