Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco districts share heat safety tips

Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts share tips to beat the heat and stay safe

WISE, Va. – Summer heat can affect anyone, no matter your age. Older adults and children are most susceptible, but even healthy young adults are not protected from the dangers of extreme heat. Last summer, people in their 20s (18%) and 30s (17%) were the highest percentage of the more than 4,000 Virginians seeking health care for heat-related illnesses. The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts are reminding everyone to take hot weather seriously and to know how to stay safe when temperatures climb.

“As temperatures rise, it’s important for everyone to take heat safety seriously,” said Reisa Sloce, director Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and affect anyone, but older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greater risk. Staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, seeking air-conditioned spaces, and checking on family members and neighbors can help prevent serious illness. A little preparation and awareness can go a long way in keeping our communities safe and healthy throughout the summer.”

Heat can be dangerous for anyone, but some people face higher risk. Adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with health conditions like heart disease have a harder time staying cool. Their bodies are less efficient at regulating body temperature, and they may not be able to protect themselves.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to know your risk. The CDC’s HeatRisk tool allows you to track heat risk for the week by ZIP code.

Tips for staying safe in extreme heat

When the risk is elevated, the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts suggest these tips:

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest time of day.
• Take breaks. If you work outdoors, find shade as often as possible.
• Keep cool indoors with air conditioning and fans. Don’t have air conditioning? Visit a cooling center.

Recognizing heat-related illnesses

Even with good planning, you can still get sick from the heat. Knowing the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion helps you act fast.

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms of heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing and use cool wet clothes to help lower body temperature:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness or tiredness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Fast or weak pulse
• Body temperature 101° or higher

If you or a loved one experience any of these heat stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately:

• Confusion, altered mental state, slurred speech
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Very high body temperature
• Seizures

Planning ahead and knowing how to beat the heat can help you avoid a trip to the emergency room. Stay aware, take breaks, and look out for others. Check on vulnerable neighbors, especially older adults, young children, and anyone who may struggle to stay cool. Working together, everyone can enjoy a safer, healthier summer.