Staying Cool in Hot Weather

Press Release
May 24, 2005

La Marque – The sun is shining and skies are clear.  Summer in Galveston County invites outdoor activities.  But the intense heat that marks the season also can signal the need to take health precautions.  Officials with the Galveston County Health District urge everyone to use caution and common sense when dealing with summer heat.  

The elderly, the very young, those who are sick or without access to air conditioning are most severely affected by heat.  Children left in closed vehicles, even for a short period of time, are at great risk.  

Perspiration normally cools people.  But high temperatures and high humidity can overwork the body.  Dehydration and heat illness can result if a person does not replace fluids lost during perspiration. Heat illness may even lead to death.  

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches.  People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation. 

If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can result, potentially leading to brain damage or death.  Get immediate medical attention for anyone with extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. 

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to fight heat.  If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross ventilation and fans to cool rooms. 

A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off.  Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower. 

Children can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather.  They need to drink fluids frequently, especially water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.  Avoid drinks that are heavily sweetened or contain caffeine.  Check on children often, especially if they are playing outside in high temperatures.  

The Galveston County Health District offers these heat precautions: 

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather, even for a short time.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.  Start drinking fluids before you go out in the heat.
• Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or late evening when the temperature is lower.  Use a repellant containing DEET to avoid insect bites.
• Take frequent breaks when working outside.
• Wear sun block, hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
• Eat more frequently but be sure meals are well balanced and light.
• Don’t dress infants in heavy clothing or wrap them in blankets.
• Check frequently on the elderly and those who are ill or may need help.
• Check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
• At first sigh of health illness move to a cooler place, rest a few minutes, then slowly drink a cool beverage.  Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org