Cool tips to beat the heat

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The National Weather Service predicts heat index values in Mobile County will rise into up to 109 degrees this weekend.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is warning people that heat cramps, sunburn, and heat exhaustion are likely and heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure.

Bernard Eichold, a health officer for the MCHD said, “We urge everyone in our community to understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses or deaths.”

The MCHD says infants, young children, the elderly and those with physical and mental illness are at the greatest risk.

“Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year,” they said in a release.

If you must be in the heat health department officials say to limit your activity to the morning and evening hours. Outdoor exercise is advised against but ensuring that you drink a lot of fluids can help you stay well. Sports beverages can help to replenish salt and other minerals lost through sweat.

Wear sunscreen and sunglasses as well as a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyes.

The health department offered more tips to avoid becoming ill because of the heat:

• Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. They actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Electric fans may provide comfort; but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath. Moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave children (or anyone else) or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need more frequent watching.