Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, said, “It seems that summer-type weather has arrived this week. After a long cold and snowy winter, everyone seems to be enjoying the sunshine and warmth, but it’s important to remember that extreme heat can be dangerous.”
“People suffer heat-related illnesses when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Although the body normally cools itself by sweating, this may not be enough. In some cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly and very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs,” stated Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. “There are many factors that affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use. Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent heal-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one factor against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, spend time in facilities that are air-conditioned, such as the library, the Mall, supermarkets, movie theaters, and other air-conditioned facilities.”
Regenye, continued, “During hot weather you will also need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. (If you doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or you take water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink in hot weather). Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar; these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
Stay informed. Listen to local news and weather channels during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
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