Healthy Life

High heat and humidity are expected to reach the area this week.

Oswego County officials are urging people to be cautious in their activities. The Oswego County Health Department and Emergency Management Office (EMO) offer advice for residents to better manage the extreme heat in the forecast.

The National Weather Service forecast for Oswego County indicates temperatures on Monday and Tuesday will be in the upper-80s to mid-90s, with some upper-90s temperatures possible. Overnight lows will be in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Record high temperatures are possible.

“Heat can be deadly,” said Cathleen Palmitesso, director of the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. “The forecast for Sunday through Wednesday indicates our area may see several days of 90-degree temperatures and high humidity, making it feel like 100 degrees or more. People should start to think about how they can prevent heat-related illnesses.”

Air conditioning is the best way to prevent heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can spend time in public facilities that are.

Oswego County has created an online tool to help people find places to beat the heat. It offers information on cooling centers, sprinklers, splash pads and public water access. The tool can be found online at this direct link. More information is also available by calling the EMO office at 315-591-9150.

This combination of hot weather and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to set in, which could lead to death.

“People should be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness and take special care of those most at-risk,” said Oswego County Director of Public Health Vera Dunsmoor. “People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies cannot cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. When humidity levels are high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat in a timely way.”

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature. It can cause death or permanent disability if not treated right away. Warning signs include extremely high body temperature; red, hot or dry skin (no sweating); throbbing headache; dizziness, nausea or confusion; or unconsciousness.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness. It can develop after multiple days of exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

Anyone who experiences serious signs and symptoms of heat-related illness should call 911 or seek medical care immediately.

Those who are at highest risk of heat-related illness include people aged 65 years and older, children younger than two years of age, and people who are pregnant, have chronic diseases or mental illness.

Seniors are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They are more likely to have chronic health issues and may take medication that prevents their bodies from regulating their temperatures. They may also have other risk factors, such as living alone or not having air conditioning in their home.

“To avoid heat stress, it’s vital that seniors take precautions,” Dunsmoor continued. “They should follow their doctor’s guidance to hydrate properly and stay indoors – ideally with air conditioning – during the hottest part of the day. Wearing lightweight clothing and avoiding strenuous activities will also help.”

People should make sure to connect with family members, friends and neighbors and remind them to take protective actions during extreme heat events.

Follow these tips during high heat conditions:

• Avoid or reschedule outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, if possible.
• Hydrate: Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside.
• Educate yourself: Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings. Take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperature hits 85 degrees or the heat index or “feels like” temperature hits 90 degrees. Know the warning signs of heat illness and how you can stay cool.
• Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea and vomiting.
• Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid over-exertion, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool down.
• Drink plenty of water. Try to avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Remember your pets can be vulnerable to heat too. Make sure they have shade, plenty of water, and never leave them in a parked vehicle, even with a window open.

“The best time to prepare for an extreme heat event is before it happens,” Palmitesso said. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest checking your household fans, air conditioners and other cooling equipment each spring to make sure they are in good working order. They also recommend making other improvements around your home, such as planting trees in strategic locations, installing a cool roof and using cool paving materials in your driveway.

“Always check the forecast before going outside, and subscribe to weather alerts to stay updated,” Palmitesso continued.

People can sign up for weather alerts on NY Alert at www.alert.ny.gov or download the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. More tips about extreme heat are available at www.ready.gov/heat.