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Snow Hill, Md. – The Worcester County Health Department urges all residents to limit heat and sun exposure while the excessive heat warning remains in effect through Saturday evening and all other hot days this summer.
People at high risk for heat-related illness include infants, young children, people over age 65 as well as people who have a personal or family history of heat illness or symptoms, mental health diagnoses, sickle cell trait or disease, personal history of severe muscle pain with activity or heat injury, or use of supplements containing metabolic stimulants, caffeine and other medications.
In light of the many outdoor activities happening in Worcester County this week and weekend, health officials advise residents to drink plenty of fluids and be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat stress and heat cramps:
- Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Symptoms are hot, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Heat stroke occurs when a person’s body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and could render the victim unconscious. Call for emergency medical treatment. If possible, relocate the person to an air-conditioned room while awaiting an ambulance.
- Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, clammy skin. There may be fainting and vomiting. Someone suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool area out of direct sunlight and sponge bathed in cool water and fanned. Give one cup of water to the individual every 15 minutes for one hour. Do not return to heat exposure, work or exercise that day.
- Heat cramps are characterized by painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs and abdomen and by heaving sweating. To relieve heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage the muscles. Give a cup of water every 15 minutes for one hour. Discontinue exercise and do not return to heat exposure or exercise that day.
People who intend to exercise or participate in outdoor sports should:
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day.
- Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
- Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
- Encourage athletes to:
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while exercising. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat illness.
- Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for them.
- Wear a baseball cap and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Seek medical care immediately if an athlete experiences symptoms of heat illness.
- Seek medical attention for worsening muscle pain and dark urine (cola-colored) that occurs two to four days after exercise or heat-related illness.
You may also call the Worcester County Health Department hat 410-632-1100. Follow our updates on facebook.com/worcesterhealth and on twitter.com/WorcesterHealth.
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