If you live out West, you already know that temperatures are reaching triple digits.
This puts many people at risk of heat-related illness, hospitalization, and possible death.*
The CDC has a free pdf on risks and how to prevent heat-related illness.*
The CDC report shows that the risk for hospitalization is highest for people 85 years and older.
Other risk factors for heat-related illness are
- infants and young children,
- people with medical conditions,
- those who are socially isolated (oh yeah, thanks Covid),
- those who participate in strenuous physical activities (such as athletes and people working without air conditioning) and
- people living in poverty.*
What to do?
Educate yourself on signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.*
Stay hydrated, out of the sun, and in air conditioned buildings or vehicles if possible.
During extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures, please check in on your friends, family, and neighbors to make sure that they are safe and staying cool and hydrated. This includes pets too.
Never leave a vulnerable person (child, disabled individual, elderly person) or a pet in a hot car!
If you're taking certain medications such as lithium**, it can put you at higher risk of dehydration.
If you have a mental health condition, please take extra precautions to stay hydrated, stay in temperature-controlled environments, and stick to your normal sleep schedule if possible.**
Be cool!😎
Teresa
*https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_heat-related_illness.pdf
**https://www.npr.org/2019/09/04/757034136/how-high-heat-can-impact-mental-health
