Community Corner

Health Department Offers Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat

Expect temperatures in the 90s and high index values exceeding triple digits.

The below information came from the McHenry County Department of Health.

With temperatures expected to remain high this week, McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents to take preventive actions during hot weather to avoid heat-related illness.  

Here are signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

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  • Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when more water leaves the body that you put back in. Stay well hydrated throughout the day and drink extra fluids when exercising or simply being outdoors on hot days.
  • Heat exhaustion: Symptoms may include: headaches, weak pulse, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, dizziness, and in some instances fainting, clammy skin, chills, cold, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or very fast or very shallow breathing. If you suspect you have heat exhaustion, take action immediately to cool down. If possible, immerse yourself in cool water.
  • Heat stroke: Unlike heat exhaustion, victims of heat stroke have warm skin that is dry to the touch because they’ve sweated out all their extra water leaving the body’s natural cooling system without a key cool-down mechanism. High fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a strong, rapid pulse all accompany heat stroke. Victims may become confused and can lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Cool the victim; seek medical assistance.
Some tips to stay cool include:
  • Always wear light-weight clothing that has plenty of ventilation (the fabric should “breathe”). Stay well hydrated (consume an abundance of liquids in the summer). Be sure to provide pets with water and shade when outside as well.
  • Exercise or schedule other strenuous activities when the heat and humidity are lowest, (early morning and late evenings).
  • Rest in cool, shady places frequently. If you’re hot, go cool down – get indoors, drink cool liquids, enjoy the air conditioning for a few minutes, or take a cold shower.
  • Watch out for those at greatest risk – very young children, persons with health conditions like the elderly, pets. Young children should never be left in cars, even for short periods of time.  Certain medications may put you at greater risk of heat-related illnesses so be aware of how medications may interact with the heat.


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