COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

Extreme Heat can be Dangerous for Kids, Older Adults and Chronically Ill
Safety Tips Protect Health and Help Everyone Avoid Heat’s Dangers

As the thermometer climbs, so does your chance of suffering from a heat related illness.  Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes can strike anyone, but they are particularly dangerous to kids, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.

To protect your health in extreme heat and humidity, Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long offers the following tips:

• Drink plenty of water –- don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Stay inside in air conditioning if possible.  If you don’t have air conditioning, use movie theaters, libraries and other public places that are cool.
• Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they cause dehydration.
• Eat light meals.
• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat.
• Avoid direct sun and stay in the shade.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Take a cool shower or bath.

IMPACT Community Action’s Home Energy Assistance Program - Summer Crisis Program (HEAP SCP) also offers fans and air conditioners to low income households with a senior citizen (60 or older) or family member with a documented medical condition.  For participation requirements and an appointment, call the HEAP SCP at 1-866-747-1038. 

For more hot weather tips and information, visit the Columbus Public Health Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.

-30-