Kern County Department of Public Health Services is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the heat.

Heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities and pregnant women. Heat-related illness includes: cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.

 “Spending time outside has a number of positive health benefits; however, extreme heat can pose significant risk to your health,” says Brynn Carrigan, director of Public Health Services.  “While enjoying the outdoors this weekend, I implore you to practice heat safety to prevent any heat-related tragedies.” 

Tips to stay safe during heat risk:

• Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.

• Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck and loose-fitting clothing.

• Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase likelihood of dehydration.

• Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, you feel delirious or have a body temperature above 102 degrees. 

• Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.  

 Learn more: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/pages/bi_natural-disasters_extreme-heat_tips-for-treating-heat-related-illness.aspx