Lifesaving tips on how to avoid heat-related problems         

Watch out for the vulnerable and pets

[JULY 17, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Tips to avoid health risks and complications: The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are the most serious conditions and can become serious or even deadly if unattended.

If seniors raise their thermostats to reduce cooling bills, they put themselves at risk of developing heat-related problems. They are at an increased risk especially if they take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition and have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Here are some lifesaving tips on how to avoid heat-related problems.

• Use a buddy system. If you are working in the heat, check on co-workers and have someone else do the same for you. If you are at home and are 65 years of age or older or have a chronic health problem, ask a friend, relative or neighbor check on you at least twice a day, even if you have air conditioning. If you know someone who is 65 years of age or older or who has a chronic health problem, check on them at least twice a day.

• Limit outdoor activities. Try to plan activities for the coolest times of the day -- before noon and in the evening. When physically active, rest frequently in the shade.

• Drink plenty of fluids. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Even if you remain indoors and limit your activity, your body still needs to replace lost fluids, salt and minerals. Make an extra effort to drink a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of cool fluids daily. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Parents should be sure young children get sufficient fluids. If you are on a special fluid-restricted diet or if you take diuretics, ask your physician about fluid intake during hot weather.

• Protect your body. Wear as little clothing as possible when indoors, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing outdoors. When spending time outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, wear a hat and use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor greater than 15 to protect yourself against sunburn.

• Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car -- not even for just a few minutes. The air temperature inside a car rises rapidly during hot weather and can lead to brain damage or death.

• A final reminder: Take care of your pets. In many ways, dogs and cats react to hot weather as humans do. Offer pets extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.

If you must go outside, slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler. Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Try to rest often in shady or cool areas. Anyone showing signs of a heat-related illness should stop activity and find a cool place.

The Keep Cool Illinois website, www.keepcool.illinois.gov, and toll-free line, 1 [phone], offer various no-cost and low-cost energy-saving tips, links to energy assistance programs, firework safety tips, West Nile virus prevention guides, a list of cooling center locations and other available state resources.

In addition to the website and the statewide network of cooling centers, the Keep Cool Illinois campaign includes targeted outreach to vulnerable senior citizens, energy assistance programs, public service announcements, fire safety, water safety and other tips to help families across Illinois in the summer.

[State news release]

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