news release
ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2005

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES

HEAT AND AIR QUALITY ADVISORY

With temperatures soaring into the nineties this week, the Westchester County Health Department is advising residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. An air quality advisory has also been issued for the area today.

“The high temperatures and high humidity levels increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for the elderly, infants and people with serious health conditions,” said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester. “All need to take things a little slower on days like this and be sure to drink plenty of fluids and find ways to stay cool.”

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives throughout the country each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Heat stroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and it can render the victim unconscious. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. While waiting for emergency personnel, the patient should be moved to a cool area out of direct sunlight and bathed with cool water. If possible, they should be placed in an air-conditioned room or even an air conditioned car.

Heat exhaustion is another heat-related illness characterized by heavy sweating, weakness and cold, pale, clammy skin. There may be fainting and vomiting. If someone appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool area out of direct sunlight, sponge bathed with cool water and fanned. Also, give sips of water to the individual every 15 minutes for one hour.

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The Health Department recommends these preventive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses:

· Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

· Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

· Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place. If your house or apartment isn't air-conditioned, try spending a few hours at the shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

· Take a cool shower or bath and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day.

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.

· Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

· NEVER leave anyone - a person or animal - in a closed, parked vehicle. This is life threatening.

· Neighbors should check on elderly residents in their area or apartment complex to make sure they are safe.

In addition to high temperatures and humidity, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is also reporting moderate levels of particulate matter in the today.

“People with breathing and heart problems, as well as children and the elderly, may be particularly sensitive to fine particles in the air and may wish to limit strenuous outdoor activity when levels of particulate matter are elevated,” said Dr. Lipsman.

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Exposure to fine particles in the air can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Recent studies suggest that long-term exposure to particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of bronchitis and reduced lung function.

The Westchester County Department of Health recommends that when outdoor levels of fine particles are elevated, going indoors may reduce your exposure, although some outdoor particles will come indoors. Some ways to reduce exposure are to limit indoor and outdoor activities that produce fine particles (for example, burning candles indoors or open burning outdoors) and avoid strenuous activity when fine particle levels are high. Contact your healthcare provider for specific recommendations if you are at particular risk.

For more information and tips of safety during hot weather, residents should visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Health Department’s Stay Cool line at (914) 813-5620.

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