The best defense against illness from our region’s blistering summer heat and smothering humidity is prevention, says Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.
“Southwest Georgia is a great place to live, but during the summer, we need to recognize that the weather can affect our health and take appropriate precautions,” Grant stressed.
Her recommendations:
- Drink more fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are active.
- Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or a lot of sugar, since they cause you to lose more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause cramps.
- Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place if possible. If your home isn’t air conditioned, spend time at a library, mall or other air-conditioned facility. During heat waves, check with the Emergency Management Agency or Public Health to see if heat-relief shelters are available.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or going to an air-conditioned area is a much better way to cool off.
“Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others,” Grant said. “Check regularly on infants and young children, people 65 and older, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill—especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure.”
If you must be out in the heat, she added:
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool,
- nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
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