How to protect yourself against heat related illness

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Rhett Isbell/Protect yourself against heat related illness.

With temperatures expected to hover near 90 degrees over the next several days, Atlantic County health officials remind residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.

Heat-related illness, also known as hyperthermia, is a condition that results from exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool and there is a rapid rise in body temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The evaporation of sweat is the normal way to remove body heat, but when the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly and may prevent the body from releasing heat. Prompt treatment of heat-related illnesses with aggressive fluid replacement and cooling of core body temperature is critical to reducing illness and preventing death

Those most at risk for heat-related illness include sensitive populations such as the elderly, infants and young children; outdoor laborers; people who are overweight; people with mental illness; people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases. Pets are also susceptible to the effects of heat.

There are a number of steps people can take to guard against heat-related illness. One of the most important is to drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol as they can contribute to dehydration.

Spending a few hours a day in an air-conditioned place may also help individuals, particularly those most vulnerable, to cope with hot, humid weather.

Other advice for avoiding heat-related illness:

• Check on elderly relatives and neighbors to see if they need help taking proper heat precautions or if they need medical attention as a result of the heat.


• Take care not to overdress children and to give them plenty of liquids to drink. Children under age five are especially sensitive to the effects of the heat.


• Don't leave children or pets in enclosed cars, as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.


• If possible, reduce physical activity or schedule it for the cooler parts of the day.


• Wear loose and light-colored clothing.


• Check with your health provider before taking salt tablets. Salt supplements are not necessary for the general public, although those who regularly work under very hot conditions may need them.


• Talk to your health provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications, such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, can increase the risk of heat-related illness.


• Make sure pets have plenty of water and if left outside, plenty of shade. Please keep in mind a tree providing shade for your pet in the morning may not offer the same shade coverage in the afternoon.

For further information on heat-related illness, visit the Atlantic County Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealthor call the Division of Public Health at 609-645-5935.