It is Hot Outside! Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed.

As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat related illnesses. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, and may include: Feeling faint or dizzy, nausea, heavy sweating, rapid, weak heartbeat, low blood pressure, cool, moist, pale skin, low-grade fever, heat cramps, headache, fatigue, dark-colored urine. See these tips on preventing heat related illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have a safe and cool summer.  

Elderly people (65 years and older) and Infants and young children are more prone to the effects of extreme heat. Take precautions:

• Never leave anyone in a closed parked vehicle. Never leave infants or children in a vehicle, even if the windows are open.
• Never leave pets in a parked car - they can suffer heat-related illness too.
• Drink plenty of water
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Call 911 or emergency medical help if fainting, confusion or seizures occur, or if fever of 104 F or greater occurs with other symptoms. 

More information:
                >Heat and the elderly: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/seniors.html

                >Heat and children: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/children.html

                >Download CDC brochure

Get Your Heart into It

February is recognized as national heart month. Cardiovascular disease (heart disease & stroke) is the leading cause of death in Jefferson County and the nation. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented. Tackling known risk factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inactive lifestyle can greatly reduce risks for illness and death from heart disease. It’s important that individuals talk to a medical provider about risk factors, screening tests, lifestyle changes, and treatment services to prevent heart disease.

For more information on heart disease and prevention, please visit the American Heart Association www.americanheart.org

• Act in Time! Learn the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of symptoms. 

• The health department also has handouts and other educational materials on heart health and reducing your risk factors: www.jeffco.us/health

• Get Involved in Healthy People Healthy Places Jeffco (a community collaboration working on a health improvement plan for Jefferson County.

It is Hot Outside! Protect Yourself, Family and Pets

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.

• Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open. 
• Never leave pets in a parked car - they can suffer heat-related illness too. 
• Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat related illness too. 
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of symptoms of heat-related illness. 
• Drink plenty of water 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/extremeheat/children.html