“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, stated Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. This alert is in effect for Ocean County today. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region many become unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, people lividing with chronic medical conditions, and the elderly. It is important to avoid strenuous activity or exercising outdoors.

The OCHD recommends that people stay indoors with air-conditioning and if you do not have air-conditioning to go somewhere where there is; such as the Mall, the movies, the supermarket, the library or a neighbor’s or family member’s home with air conditioning. We also ask that residents check on their elderly neighbors. Fans circulating over 90 degree heat do just that; they circulate air but do nothing to cool you off. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.

It is also important to stay informed of the weather. Listen to local news and weather channels for updates.

Make sure during extreme health to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.

Regenye continued, “While the temperatures are expected to rise again tomorrow, we have the same concerns. The temperature is expected to rise into the 90’s tomorrow with the heat index over 100 degrees.

[TLS]