BEL AIR, MD (July 17, 2006)--With outside temperatures rising to 100 degrees this week and heat index values up to 105 degrees, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has issued a hot weather advisory for the area.  Harford County Health Department would like to encourage residents to take precautions in preventing heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to Dr. Andrew Bernstein, Health Officer for Harford County, the above normal temperatures expected this week present a serious health concern to all; however, at greater risk for heat-related illnesses are infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age or older, people who are overweight, people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, people participating in strenuous outdoor activities in hot weather, and those who consume alcohol.

“The body normally cools itself by sweating.  With extremely hot conditions and high humidity, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Very high body temperatures can lead to the development of damage to vital organs including the Central Nervous System and other vital organs such as the kidneys,” explained Bernstein.

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of high temperatures when the body is not properly hydrated.  The warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, weakness, dizziness, paleness, tiredness, and muscle cramps.  The skin may feel cool to the touch, the pulse rate will be fast, and breathing can be shallow.  Anyone showing signs of these very severe symptoms, and or has high blood pressure or heart disease should seek medical attention immediately.

                                                                      Cooling measures to combat heat exhaustion include frequently consuming cool, nonalcoholic beverages (water), taking a cool shower or bath, resting in an air-conditioned environment.  If severe or untreated, heat exhaustion could lead to heat stroke.

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises to a high level and cannot cool down.  Heat stroke is a serious illness that can cause permanent damage to vital organs and even death.  The symptoms of heat stroke include:  an extremely high body temperature (over 103 degrees), red, hot and dry skin (not moist), throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, and possibly unconsciousness.  Anyone showing these symptoms should seek medical help immediately. 

The best defense in preventing heat-related illnesses is prevention.  To prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Dress appropriately for the heat.  Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Take frequent water or juice breaks throughout the day even if you aren’t thirsty.  Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks which prevented the body from cooling itself.
• When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas.  Electric fans alone will not prevent heat-related illnesses.  If air conditioning is unavailable, visit a shopping mall, library, or friend or family member who has air conditioning available.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities.  Stay indoors as much as possible when temperatures rise.  Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day before 8 a.m. and after sunset. 
• Check on elderly relatives or neighbors daily.
• Keep pets indoors and keep water bowls filled.  Remember pets don’t sweat, so they can easily become overheated when temperatures rise.  When walking your dog, keep in mind the sidewalks and blacktops can burn the pads of their paws.  Instead walk your dog in the grass or a dirt path.  NEVER leave your pets in your car during hot, summer temperatures.

In addition to following the heat prevention tips listed above, the Office on Aging has opened cooling stations around the county at the Aberdeen Senior Center, Edgewood Senior Center, and the McFaul Activities Center.  For more information including hours of operation, please call the Office on Aging at (410) 638-3025.  Anyone without residence is encouraged to contact the Department of Social Services at

 (410) 836-4541.  For any additional information on heat-related illnesses, contact the Harford County Health Department at (410) 638-8459.