Heatwave in NJ! how to cope

Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone it is especially so to babies and young children, older people, those living in care homes, and those in certain at-risk groups.

When temperatures remain abnormally high over more than a couple of days, excessive heat can prove fatal.

The elderly are particularly vulnerable and it is important that those aged over 75, especially those who live alone or in care homes, take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you care for people who could be at risk during a heatwave, it's important that you plan ahead - taking action in advance can help reduce the number of excess deaths from heat.'

Those at particular risk during a heatwave include:

• older people, especially those over 75 years old and living on their own, or in a care home;
• people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia, and those who rely on help from other people to manage day-to-day activities;
• people who are bed-bound or have mobility problems;
• people taking certain types of medication;
• people with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems;
• people who already have a high temperature from an infection;
• people who use alcohol or illicit drugs;
• babies and young children, especially under four years old;
• people who are physically active such as manual workers, or sportsmen and women

What symptoms should you look out for?

In a severe heatwave, extra strain is placed on the heart as it tries to cool the body - this can lead to an increase in heart related illnesses.

Additionally, air quality often gets worse during a heatwave, which can make respiratory symptoms worse. In more extreme situations, one can overheat and dehydrate, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you have a heart or respiratory problem, this may make your symptoms worse.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• muscle weakness or cramps
• pale skin
• a sudden rise in temperature

If you are suffering from worsening of heart or respiratory symptoms or heat exhaustion you should move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice. If possible, take a lukewarm shower, or sponge yourself with cold water. If symptoms are of concern, call NHS Direct or your Doctor.

If heat exhaustion is left untreated, heatstroke can develop, but it can also occur suddenly and without warning.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• headaches
• nausea
• an intense thirst
• sleepiness
• hot, red and dry skin
• a sudden rise in temperature
• confusion
• aggression
• convulsions and a loss of consciousness

Heatstroke can result in irreversible damage to the body, including the brain, or death.

Steps to take during a heatwave

Listen to bulletins on radio and television and follow health advice.

Keep out of the heat

• If a heatwave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
• If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm).
• If you cannot avoid strenuous activity like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for the cooler parts of the day such as early morning.
• If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you. 

Stay cool

• If you can, stay inside, in the coolest rooms in the house.
• Reduce heat form sunlight coming through the windows. External shading, e.g. shutters, is best. Metal blinds and dark curtains may absorb heat and make the room warmer – replace with curtains with white lining to reflect heat.
• Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside and open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open the windows on the first floor and above, if possible.
• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck. A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck can also help you  to stay cool.
• Indoor and outdoor plants will help keep your home cool due to evaporation and the shading from trees and bushes.
• Have your loft and cavity wall insulated - this keeps the heat in when its cold and out when its hot.

Drink regularly

• Drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water and fruit juice are best.
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. They make dehydration worse.
• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.

Help others

• Older people are much more prone to the effects of heat. You can help older relatives or neighbours by checking on them, if possible, every day, and reminding them to drink plenty and often. They should have a mixture of drinks including fruit juice and water.
• Help them to keep their house as cool as possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a fan if necessary.

• 
  

When should you seek advice?

Contact your doctor, a pharmacist if you have any unusual symptoms during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication.

You can also contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit NHS Direct website for advice.

Watch out for cramp in the arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping.

If you do have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice.

Seek medical advice if any of these symptoms get worse or do not go away.

While waiting for an ambulance

If someone is suffering heatstroke and you do need to call an ambulance:

• Try to move the person to somewhere cooler;
• Increase ventilation by opening windows and using a fan;
• Cool them down as quickly as possible by loosening clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet;
• If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink;
• Do not give aspirin 

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dh.gov.uk/en/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/DH_4135398

If you feel over-heated, and think you may have Heat exhaustion, come to 

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800