Health Officials Advice On Preventing Heat Illness

San Andreas, CA — The current triple digit temperatures throughout the Mother Lode have local health officials advising for safety in the heat.

Infants, children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of becoming overheated.

The Calaveras County Public Health Department says illness and even death can occur from heat. But both can be prevented.

Signs of heat stroke include a temperature over 103, confusion, loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness and nausea. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The person should be cooled off immediately and emergency help should be contacted.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat illness, which symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, paleness, dizziness, weakness or fainting.

The Public Health Department offers these prevention tips:

Don´t leave children in parked cars. It can take less than 5 minutes for an infant to become overheated.

In extreme heat, use a buddy system to check on elderly relatives daily.

Avoid high sugar drinks and alcohol.

Wear loose, light-weight and light colored clothing.

For more information, contact the Public Health Department at 754-6460.

Written by Vanessa Turner.