UNDATED (WTAQ) – We may not be thinking about the summer heat now, but soon enough sweltering temperatures will be here and all the dangers that come with it.
Governor Scott Walker has declared Thursday, June 9, 2016 as Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day.
Alishia Parma is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Prevea Kewaunee Health Center and says you need to be aware of heat related illnesses.
“There can be things from heat exhaustion all the way to heat stroke. Heat stroke can become quite dangerous and actually lead to death if not taken care of.”
Parma says some individuals are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
“The people we look at with the most concern would be infants and young children, those who aren’t old enough to care for themselves or unable to verbalize that they’re feeling ill. We also look at older adults, particularly aged 65 and older, those who live alone and may not have much contact with family and friends. Lastly, we also look at people who are overweight or have chronic medical conditions as they can be affected by the heat more rapidly.”
It’s important to drink as much fluid as you can to keep cool on hot days. Parma says on a normal day to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day but during a heat wave drink more than that. If you’re working or exercising outdoors, drink 2-4 cups of water every hour.
If you have to be outdoors, make sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Find more information on Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day at www.readywisconsin.wi.gov.
