Take a Break from the Summertime Heat

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) asks Ohioans to be aware of the potential for excessive heat and to use the recommendations below to prevent potentially dangerous heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“High temperatures pose the threat of heat-related illnesses for all people, but some are more at risk than others,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. “It’s critical we remain vigilant and follow some simple precautions to get through it without incident, injury, or illness.”

High temperatures pose the threat of heat-related illnesses for all people, but some are more at risk than others. High-risk groups include:

• Infants and children.
• Older adults.
• Pregnant women.
• People who are overweight.
• People with chronic medical conditions such as (heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity.)
• People who don’t have access to air-conditioning.
• People who work or exercise outside.
• People who take certain medications that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Here are tips to follow during periods of high temperatures and high humidity:

• Drink Cool Fluids
• Monitor or Limit Outdoor Activities
• Don’t Forget Your Pets
• Be a Good Neighbor
• Know the Signs of a Heat Stroke
• Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
• Know the Signs of Heat Cramps