HARRISBURG, Pa., July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy
today urged residents of Pennsylvania to take special precautions if
they plan to spend extended periods of time outdoors this
summer.
"Due to the recent spike in hot weather, as well as the air
quality alert issued by the Department of Environmental Protection,
we want to ensure that people know what steps to take to better
protect themselves during periods of hot weather," said Murphy.
"Healthy people of any age can experience illness during periods of
extreme weather, but those at greatest risk are people over 65,
infants and young children, and those with heart disease, high
blood pressure, breathing problems, or other chronic medical
conditions."
All Pennsylvanians are urged to follow these safety tips to
avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Drink plenty of water and don't wait until you're thirsty to
drink more fluids;
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar,
as they can cause dehydration (loss of body fluids);
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible – this is
the number one way to protect against heat-related illness and
death;
- If you must be outside in the heat, limit activity to morning
and evening hours, and try to rest often in shady areas;
- Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed
hat, and sunglasses – and use a sunscreen of SPF15 or higher;
- Check on those who might be more at risk from high temperatures
like infants, children, or older individuals; and
- Never leave your children or pets inside vehicles.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke and heat
exhaustion.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Warning
signs include extreme body temperature, rapid pulse, throbbing
headache, dizziness, and confusion. Anyone developing heat stroke
symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance.
Heat exhaustion symptoms are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle
cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or
vomiting, and fainting.
For more information, visit www.health.pa.gov or call
1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Worden, Health, 717-787-1783
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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health