With summer weather clearly upon us, Sacramento County asks residents to take precautionary steps to keep themselves, their family, their neighbors and pets cool. Also remember to check on seniors and those with mobility issues at least twice a day.
“To keep cool and hydrated, drink plenty of water, get some relief from the heat for a couple of hours a day, and limit outside activities if possible,” said County Executive Bradley J. Hudson. “Spending a few hours cooling down will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.”
Dr. Kasirye, Public Health Officer for Sacramento County, reminds people of options for places to cool down, such as shopping malls, community centers, public libraries, coffee shops and friends’ homes. “It’s especially important for the elderly and other at-risk individuals to take precautions to avoid heat stress because they may not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature, and are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that makes them more prone to complications due to heat stress.” Because of this, Social Workers with the Department of Health and Human Services in the Senior and Adult Services division regularly monitor their clients during heat spells.
Tips for Beating the Heat
Here are some helpful tips to beat the heat this summer:
Drink plenty of water and avoid very cold drinks
Take a cool shower to lower your body temperature
Limit your exposure to the sun – stay indoors where it is air-conditioned or go an air conditioned public place
Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most reported heat-related illnesses. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
Warning signs for heat stroke are severe and include:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any severe symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
Additional Information and Resources
