AVOID THE HEAT AND KEEP YOUR COOL
31 January 2011
With temperatures tipped to exceed 40 degrees over the coming days in some parts of the region, Hunter New England Health is urging people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim is asking members of the public to stay on the lookout for symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.
“If any of these symptoms occur, the person should lie down and cool, wet towels should be applied around their neck and under their arms. They should be encouraged to drink cool fluids,” Dr Durrheim said.
“If the person does not respond to treatment or has severe symptoms such as confusion or if they collapse, an ambulance should be immediately called.”
Dr Durrheim said while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable. These include the over 75s, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and people who live alone.
“Elderly people may have underlying heart or respiratory conditions, reduced fitness, compromised sweating ability, and are often more socially isolated,” Dr Durrheim said.
“The elderly, the very young and people who are mentally ill or disabled all have a reduced capacity to ‘self manage’ by maintaining fluids and finding a cool environment.
“People with existing diseases or sicknesses such as heart problems, diabetes or hypertension should also take extra caution in this heat,” he said.
“During a heat wave, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives and to look out for other vulnerable members of your community.”
Dr Durrheim said other people who may be at risk of heat exhaustion include outdoor workers, people in workplaces with inadequate cooling systems and workers involved in strenuous physical activities.
Long car trips during the holiday period can also pose heat-related health problems.
“During long car trips there is a tendency to forget to stay hydrated. Stopping for a drink, having one in the car and regulating the car’s temperature are important if you are driving a long way in the heat,” Dr Durrheim said.
Dr Durrheim said it is also vital people keep in mind that the heat generated by a closed car can be fatal for children.
“Never leave children or animals in a parked car unattended,” Dr Durrheim said
· Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you’re out and about.
· Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.
· Plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 3pm and minimise physical activity.
· Keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade-cloth or plants. Shutting curtains will also help.
· Keep windows closed during the day. Open them when it cools down at night or the early morning.
· If you have an air-conditioner, make sure it’s working
· If you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend some time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema.
· Wear light, loose fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton.
More information about heat-health, including downloadable advice in several languages, can be found on the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/environmental/heat_related_illness.html
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501