MDHHS OFFERS TIPS AND TRICKS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING HEAT WAVES<\/b> <\/p>
As summer approaches later this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan residents to take steps to protect themselves from risks related to hot weather. <\/p>
As daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees, emergency department visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely early in the summer season as people are not yet used to high temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions. <\/span>
<\/p>To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to: <\/span>
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- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol. <\/span><\/li>
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening. <\/span><\/li>
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning. <\/span><\/li>
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. <\/span><\/li>
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body\u2019s ability to cool down. <\/span><\/li>
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance. <\/span><\/li><\/ul>
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For those without access to air conditioning, text or call Michigan 2-1-1 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building \u2014 even a few hours spent in an air-conditioned environment can help. <\/span>
<\/p>In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside. Because a child\u2019s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult, they are more susceptible to heatstroke. <\/span>
<\/p>Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fainting, extremely high body temperature (above 103\u00b0F), and\/or tiredness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down. <\/span><\/p>
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