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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 27, 2009
Contact:
Dr.
Diana Yu, Thurston/Mason
County
Health
Officer, 360-709-3082
Residents
Urged to Take Caution During Heat Wave
OLYMPIA
– South Sound area residents
are urged to take some precautions to avoid adverse impacts from unusually
high temperatures over the next several days.
The highs through most of this week are expected to be in the 90s,
possibly up to the 100 degree range.
Thurston/Mason County Health Officer, Dr. Diana Yu, says people can
face health risks when it is very hot outside, especially when the humidity is
high. “For some people, the body
cannot cool down as efficiently as it otherwise might. Those with special
challenges include the very young, the elderly, those with weight or mobility
problems, people who do not drink enough water to stay hydrated, those with
heart disease or poor circulation and people who suffer from prescription drug
and alcohol abuse.”
Dr.
Yu says everyone should keep cool, stay indoors, stay hydrated and take some
common sense steps to accomplish that mission:
·
Drink plenty of
fluids and replace salts and minerals. (Do not take salt tablets unless under
medical supervision.)
·
Try not to eat
heavy meals and skip the hot meals—they add heat to the body.
·
Dress in cool,
loose clothing and make sure to help small children dress appropriately and
remember to use hats and umbrellas.
·
Limit exposure
to the sun, especially at mid day. Use
a good sunscreen if you have to be out of doors.
·
Never leave pets
in a parked car.
·
Remember to
provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your animals.
·
Do not leave
children in the car, even for a short period of time, when the weather is this
hot.
If
you need a break from the hot weather, consider visiting a mall, theater, or
other air conditioned location. You
should also check on neighbors, family and friends to make sure they are OK.
For
assistance with non-emergency heat-related issues, call 2-1-1.
For more information regarding the potential impacts from very hot
weather and more advice on avoiding complications, visit the Centers for
Disease Control web site at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
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