Be Aware of Heat Related Illnesses/Johnson County Libraries are Still Available as Cooling Centers

The Johnson County Health Department (JCHD) suggests that with temperatures rising, people should be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness. The three types are:

• Heat stress. This includes feelings of faintness, painful muscle spasms, and cramps, and a prickly heat feeling caused by a skin rash from clogged pores. This condition is caused by lack of fluids and minerals in the body to help it function properly.

• Heat exhaustion. This is more serious than heat stress, and symptoms include headache, dizziness, cool, and clammy skin, muscle fatigue, chest pain, breathing problems, and nausea.

• Heat stroke. This is the most serious form of heat-related illness, and is life-threatening. Symptoms include headache, hot and dry skin, a temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and shallow breathing, disorientation, seizures, and changes in consciousness. If an individual is showing these symptoms, cool them quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath, and take them to the nearest hospital.

JCHD, in cooperation with the Johnson County Library, encourages citizens who need a place to cool down during hot days to visit one of thirteen library branches. All of these facilities will be available during normal business hours.

Libraries offer many services in addition to a cool place to rest and restore. You can read books, magazines and newspapers, or access the Internet. Library hours vary by location. Call (913) 826-4600 to check hours of operation for your nearest library branch, or visit the Library web site at www.jocolibrary.org.

The Johnson County Health Department recommends the following to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Check with your doctor if you have restrictions related to fluid intake.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go somewhere cool—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when temperatures are in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Exercise in an air-conditioned place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• If you have to be outside, try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some are at greater risk than others. Be sure to check regularly on:

• People aged 65 or older;
• People taking certain medications, including narcotics, sedatives, and diuretics;
• Toddlers left in cars and infants less than one year old;
• Athletes who are not used to working out in warm environments;
• People who work outside;
• And those who have a mental illness or are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.