Overlook Colony Civic Assn.

Heat Stress Alert!

Heat Stess Alert

 

• What:

  Heat stress is an illness

  caused by heat

• Where:

  Outdoors – in the sun

  Indoors – Hot rooms

• When:

  Temperatures - 90°F

  or higher

 

Humidity above 60%

 

Who’s at risk:

Persons with chronic problems: Heart or kidney failure, Diarrhea Infection or Fever,

Drinking alcohol, Some Medications Reduced sweating, Overweight or underweight, Diabetes

 

• Mild & Moderate

  Warning Signs

  Mild:

  Decreased energy

  Slight loss of appetite, nausea

  Lightheadedness

  Moderate:

  Heavy sweating, thirst, faintness,

  giddiness, headache, confusion

 

• Treatment

  Get person into cool place

  Give more -uids to drink

  Remove excess clothing

  Rest

 

• Serious Signs

  Throbbing headache

  Mental confusion

  Irritability, combativeness

  Rapid heartbeat, dicult in

  breathing

  Dry Skin (no sweating)

  Vomiting, diarrhea

  Muscle Cramps, staggering

 

• Treatment

  Call 9-1-1

  This is a medical emergency

 

 

How to Reduce your Risk

 

•Drink plenty of water

•Wear light colored, lightweight, loose

clothing (cotton/synthetic blends are

best)

•Wear a wide-brimmed hat, or use an

umbrella for shade

•Spend time in air-conditioned areas

(senior center, mall)

•Take extra cool baths and showers, and

sprinkle yourself with water

•Keep windows open

•Use insulated drapes; keep blinds/shades

closed during daylight hours

•Use fan, but only when there is cool air

blowing

 

 

•Don’t engage in vigorous activity in the

heat of the day

•Don’t travel outside in the heat of the day

•Don’t wear dark, nylon clothing that is

tight

•Don’t drink alcohol or beverages containing

caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)

•Don’t eat hot, heavy foods

•Don’t increase salt or potassium intake or

take salt tablets without doctor’s okay

•Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air

on yourself

 

 

Prepared by the Delaware County Offce of Services for the Aging

 

steve! over @ claymont ncc delaware