Lane County News: Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat

Contact: Betsy Meredith, Lane County Public Health nursing supervisor, 682-4041

Lane County Public Health is reminding the community that while out enjoying the Olympic Trials and other outdoor activities, please be sure to be safe.

With temperatures rising, people can become more susceptible to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. Overexposure to the sun an heat can cause a variety of symptoms including heavy sweating (or no sweating when a person is extremely over heated), a rise in pulse rate, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, or rashes.

There are a number of ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. Lane County Public Health provides the following tips:

During hot weather you need to increase fluid intake regardless of your activity level.

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

Drink only liquids that are non-alcoholic and low in sugar.

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

When outdoors, use sunscreen / SPF 15 or higher.

If you are not used to activity in a hot environment, start out slowly and increase the pace.

STOP all activity and get into a cool area if the heat makes your heart pound or leaves you gasping for breath.

If you do not have air-conditioning, go to a mall or public library because even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help when you go back into the heat.

Taking a cool shower or bath is more effective than electric fans when temperatures are in the high 90’s.

During a heat wave, monitor the condition of co-workers. Have them do the same for you.

Age 65 or older? Have a friend or relative call to check in twice a day during a heat wave.

Infants and children up to age four are sensitive to high temperatures.

Adults 65 years or older may not compensate for heat stress effectively.

Those who are overweight or obese retain more body heat and are more prone to heat sickness.

Those who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat illness.

Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure may be affected by extreme heat.

Interior temperatures can rise 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes – and continue to climb.

Amber Fossen
Public Information Officer
Lane County Government
125 E. Eighth Ave.
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 682.3718
(541) 359.9143 (cell)

^{Lane County Government provides for the safety and security of Lane County’s 343,000 citizens through public safety, public works, human services, elections, vital records and other systems}

Lane County, Oregon	eGovernment

News Release



News \| 2008