Take precautions in extreme heat
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LAKE COUNTY — Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson and the Lake County Health Department offer the following extreme heat precautions:
Remember the acronym HEAT:
— Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you’re working or exercising outside.
— Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
— Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
— Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.
Other helpful hints:
— Wear loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
— Avoid sunburn. If you’re going to be outdoors, wear a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
— Seek a cooler place. Being in an air-conditioned building, even for just a few hours, is one of the best ways to prevent heat exhaustion. If your home doesn’t have an air conditioner, consider spending time at a library or shopping mall. At the very least, find a well-shaded spot. Fans alone aren’t adequate to counter high heat and humidity.
— Take extra precautions with certain medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the medications you take make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
— Avoid hot spots. On a hot day, the temperature in your parked car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car in hot weather for any period of time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Providence St. Joseph Medical Center at 406-883-5680 or the Lake County Health Department at 406-883-7347.
