Heat and Air Quality May Cause
Problems!
Public
Health recommends that
everyone pay particular
attention to the following suggestions:
Heat:
- Drink
plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids. Put the alcoholic beverages
away until cooler weather. Alcoholic drinks can increase a person's
risk to heat-related illnesses.
- Decrease
physical activity. This is particularly advisable for joggers and
athletic teams. Exercise activities should occur in the morning or
early in the evening. Stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Use air conditioning, if available. Many
public buildings, libraries, malls, and other locations are
air-conditioned.
- Wear loose
lightweight and light-colored cotton clothing.
- Eat light meals.
- Cool
down with showers, baths, and recreational swimming.
- Adjust blinds, shades, and awnings to keep
out the sun.
- Use your basement, if
it is cool, during the hottest hours.
- Use a
circulating fan. Moving air helps the body cool, even
when the air is the same as the outside temperature. It is important to
increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
- Be
a good neighbor and check on those who may need
assistance.
- Individuals with
chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, should
minimize activities because the heat will add additional stress.
- Extra caution should be taken for the
elderly and young infants and children to assure that they are
protected from the heat.
- Children
and pets should not be left unattended in any vehicles. Temperatures
can reach dangerous levels rapidly.
- Individuals
on various medications should check with their doctor to see if the
heat puts them at increased risk.
Air Quality:
- If
the air quality is poor, make sure you do your part:
- Reduce driving when possible
- Do not use lawnmowers, weed trimmers, and
other gasoline engines during the heat of the day
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained, so that
it will run more efficiently
- Eliminate
open burning
For additional information, visit the Ohio Department of
Health or the Regional Air
Pollution Control Agency website.