July 1, 2007

DDOE Encourages Residents to Stay Healthy and Cool This Summer

It's summertime in the city and the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) wants to keep residents healthy and cool. We all enjoy having fun in the sun, but with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, it is very important to pay attention to and abide by heat related warnings. Excessive exposure to high temperatures can cause life threatening illnesses such as: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and heat cramps to name a few.

General symptoms associated with heat related illnesses include, but are not limited to, mild weakness, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting and high body temperature. DDOE, The Department of Health (DOH), American Red Cross, and The Baltimore/Washington National Weather Services suggest you do the following to avoid heat related illnesses:

• Keep your body cool and hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water and juice throughout the day.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, especially beer, because it dehydrates the body.
• Wear light-colored and loose fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun or try to limit your sun exposure as much as possible.
• Stay in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit your local mall or library.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as: sports, jogging, bike riding, mowing the lawn, etc.
• Be sure to check on elderly relatives or neighbors. Senior citizens are much more susceptible to the effects of heat.