Health advisory issued for the warm temperatures
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Broward County Health Department is issuing a health advisory and some safety tips for the warm weather.
Candy Sims, the public information officer for the Broward County Health Department offered the following tips to stay safe during the high temperatures:
Never leave children, the elderly and pets in automobiles.
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible (especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is the strongest).
- Try to rest often in cool shady areas.
- Wear light, loose clothes. Cotton is best.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water) throughout the day.
- Wear Sun Screen outside (No matter what your skin color).
- Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors.
- Bring pets indoors and give them plenty of water.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. (Hint: Malls, public libraries and movie theatres are air-conditioned).
- People that work outside should protect themselves from the sun, regardless of skin color, by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses and putting on sunscreen of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
- People who drink alcohol are 15 times more vulnerable to heat illness than those who have not because alcohol causes increased dehydration.
Sims emphasizes that children, the elderly and people who work outside or may be on certain types of medications may be more at risk of heat-related problems. Heat illness can range from mild heat exhaustion to the most severe form, heat stroke.
The following symptoms and conditions may be an indication or warning that your body is too hot: dehydration, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, a rash called prickly heat, edema/swelling, (typically of the fingers and hands), cramps and fainting.
When symptoms occur, drink plenty of water, rest in a cool place and seek treatment if symptoms do not subside.
Sims adds that if a person experiences heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, this is a very serious condition. The person is usually observed after he or she has collapsed. The skin will be flushed, very dry and very hot. This is an emergency and medical aid should be called immediately.
Not to be left out, symptoms for heat illness in pets include a dry nose, white gums and ears, and droopy eyes. Pet owners should bring animals inside and give them plenty of water during this very hot season.
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