Full Notification

The following Press Release is from Calaveras County Public Health.

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 14, 2017
Contact: Dean Kelaita, M.D., Heath Officer
Phone: 754-6460
Fax: 754-1709

Calaveras County Public Health Issues Heat Advisory to Residents

San Andreas [June 14, 2017] - Calaveras County Health and Human Services Agency - Public Health Division has issued a heat advisory for the County. We urge the public to act now to prevent heat-related illness. Temperatures of 100 degrees or more are expected over the next several days. Dr. Kelaita, County Health Officer, stated, "Taking action now can prevent the possibility of heat-related illness. Some health conditions such as obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and drug/alcohol use can make it harder for the body to say cool in hot weather."

During this heat wave, be sure to:

Drink plenty of water
o Take enough water for yourself and those traveling with you
when you leave home
o Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and soft drinks)
o Avoid alcoholic beverages
o Provide plenty of water for pets

Stay cool, stay indoors
o Stay in an air conditioned area, if possible
o If you do not have air conditioning, go to a place that is air
conditioned
o Take a cool shower or bath

Wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors
o Choose lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
o Wear a wide-brimmed hat
o Use sunscreen when outside (SPF 15 or higher) and reapply
every two hours when in the sun

Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day
o Avoid being out during the hottest part of the day
o Rest often in shady area
o Never leave children or pets in a parked car

Pace yourself
o Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks
o If you don’t feel well (example: heart pounds, out of breath,
lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint) stop your activity and rest
in a cool or shady area

Stay in touch with your family, friends, and neighbors daily
o For those with health conditions and the elderly, check in more
often
o Have others check on you

Heat related illness can be prevented by taking these steps, especially during a heat wave. "Don't overestimate what you can do during a heat wave; assume it should be less than your normal level of activity," stated Dr. Kelaita.

The warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. For more information about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, visit www.calaveraspublicheaith.com, call Public Health at 209-754-6460 or www.facebook.com/calaveraspublichealth.

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