Health Officer Urges Precaution During High Temperatures

High temperatures reaching up to 106 degrees are expected in portions of San Bernardino County from Tuesday through Friday, officials announced. County residents may experience increased temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. The County Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare has issued a heat advisory recommending residents to take precautions that will help prevent heat-related illness. High or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with chronic medical conditions. Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke by following the tips below. Stay cool: • Stay in air-conditioned buildings. • Find an air-conditioned Cooling Center open to the public by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1, or online at www.coolingsb.org. • Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight. • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. • Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day. Stay hydrated: • Drink water more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working. • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.