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Courtesy Xochilt Mora,

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department, along with other city departments (Police, Fire /EMS, Parks and Leisure and 311) want to remind the public to protect themselves against heat related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke for the duration of the summer months.

We especially want to stress that the very young, older persons and those with underlying illnesses are most at risk of serious illness and complications. In particular, persons over 65 years of age, infants and children up to age four, those who are overweight, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise, and people who are ill or on certain medications, need to take precautions.

“Among the most important precautions you can take is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water even if you are not thirsty and staying in cool shaded areas,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director of Health for the City of Laredo Health Department. “Additionally, take plenty of breaks if you are working or playing outdoors.” 

Also during this heat, remember the young and elderly in our homes and daycares, and check on them. Visit your neighbor if you know they are elderly and ask if they are OK. Follow these additional prevention tips:

·         Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

·         Limit vigorous activity during hot, humid weather. Stay indoors and exercise in air conditioned areas such as malls. If you do not have air-conditioning please go to an air-conditioned public place such as the library or the mall.

·         Drink more water than you need to satisfy your thirst. Limit drinks that can cause dehydration such as soda and coffee and avoid alcohol.

·         Ask your doctor if any health condition or medication put you at risk for health illness

·         Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, use and umbrella and sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.

·         Seek relief in shaded areas, keep cool! Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as a basement, neighbor’s house, community center, senior citizen center, library, shopping mall, movie theater, or cooling center.  Even an hour or two will cool you down.

·         Monitor high-risk people for signs of heat related illness. Visit older neighbors and family members at least twice a day to make sure they are safe.  Watch for signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

·         If you exercise in the heat, try to schedule vigorous exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours.

·         NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle even for a minute.

·         Let’s remember our Pets as well , keep them in the shade, cool and with plenty of water and never leave them alone in closed car or building without ventilation

Watch for:

Heat illness is when the body loses the ability to regulate temperature with heavy sweating. During extreme heat, high humidity or during vigorous activity watch for health illness:

·         Symptoms vary, but usually have red, flushed skin, a rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, dehydration, confusion and unconsciousness.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion which is when a person stops sweating and is dry, can be a life-threatening situation; if so, CALL 911 immediately. 

·         Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area.

·         Spray or sponge them with cold water or immerse them in a tub of cold water. 

·         Attempt to get the body temperature lowered to 101 to 102 degrees.

·         Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body. Watch for breathing problems.

·         If the victim refuses water, vomits, or if there are changes in consciousness, do not give them anything to eat or drink, call 911 or your doctor.