Health Dept. offers hot weather tips

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Indiana State Health Department offers some tips to help you cope with the extreme heat we're seeing this week.

“We are in for a very hot time this month and it’s very important that people take these heat advisories seriously,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory N. Larkin, M.D. “I do encourage all Hoosiers to be extremely careful and to take all precautions necessary to protect themselves during these hot summer days.”

The State Health Department recommends the following to avoid heat related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of cool water.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperature.
• Attempt to get in air conditioning, even for brief periods. If you do not have air conditioning, move to a location that is air-conditioned.
• Fans are a source of relief when there is low humidity.
• Cool down with cool baths or showers.
• Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing.
• Slow down from your normal pace.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Draw shades, blinds and curtains in rooms exposed to direct sunlight.

When temperatures reach 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) or greater, health officials caution that overexposure to the heat can be a concern.

Young children and the elderly are at greater risk for such heat-related illnesses as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Children and pets should never be left in parked cars, even with windows cracked open.

Heat cramps are muscular pains in the abdomen, legs, and arms that occur from strenuous activity and increased sweating.

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of high temperatures and low fluid intake. Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, is a life-threatening situation in which the body is unable to regulate its temperature and cannot cool itself down.