It’s Getting Hot Out There!

Posted by Carolyn Martin on August 4th, 2017 Posted in: Emergency Preparedness, Health Literacy

---

It’s heating up here in Seattle and most parts of the Pacific Northwest with temperatures reaching triple digits in some areas. It’s important to find relief by staying hydrated, staying out of the sun, and limiting activity. Older adults, young children, and those whose health is compromised should be especially careful. But everyone should take precautions because when the body is unable to cool itself properly, heat-related illnesses can occur. Not everyone can stay in an air conditioned environment so make sure to take breaks from the heat and allow your body to cool.

What could increase your chances of developing heat-related illnesses? According to the CDC, these are some factors:

• high level of humidity
• obesity
• fever
• dehydration
• prescription drug use
• heart disease
• mental illness
• poor circulation
• sunburn
• alcohol use

Several resources are available to refer to for more information about heat precautions you and your communities can use.

MedlinePlus includes topic pages on:

• heat illness
• dehydration
• sun exposure

For information about protecting specific populations from extreme heat such as older adults and those with chronic health conditions visit the CDC webpage, “Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat”.

NLM’s Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC)  includes an extensive list of information regarding heat and health.