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Residents reminded to stay safe in summer heat as temperatures rise
July 21, 2016
For Immediate Release: July 21, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – With temperatures in the state rising above 90°F again this week and through the weekend, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding all residents to stay safe and cool to beat the heat.
MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department data for heat-related illness. Daily temperatures this week are anticipated to rise above 90°F, which generally correlates with an increase in emergency department visits for heat-related illness including dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion.
“It’s important that all residents take the hot weather into consideration in their daily activities. Stay hydrated and out of the sun as much possible to avoid serious health complications,” said Nick Lyon, director of MDHHS. “We know that vulnerable populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to frequently check on young children, older adults, and others in your community who may need additional assistance.”
To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar, spend time indoors (if possible in air conditioned places), and to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. For those without access to air conditioning, contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby.
In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside, and because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s they are more susceptible to heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include: heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) and tiredness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, and can result in death if not treated promptly.
For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.
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