Photo by Vaughn Willis vis stock.xchng
Did you realize that Thursday was Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day?
Probably not, based on the temperatures that battled to reach 60 degrees. But remember earlier in the week when the heat index was pushing 100? believe it or not those temps will be back and the county wants you to know how to stay healthy when they are here again.
Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser joined with Governor Walker in proclaiming June 9, 2011, as Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day.
“This is a good time to review how heat and humidity affects you,†Kreuser said. “Heat is America’s Number One Weather related killer. Knowing what you can do to stay cool can save your life.â€
“Per the National Weather Service, between 1982 and 2010, Kenosha County experienced 17 Heat Wave events representing 61 Heat Wave Days resulting in four deaths,†stated Lt. Ed Van Tine, Director, Kenosha County Emergency Management.
“People who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness and death are the elderly, infants, young children, people with chronic heart or lung problems, people with disabilities, overweight people, those who work outdoors or in hot settings, users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression and heart or circulatory problems. Other vulnerable people are those who are isolated and don’t know when or how to cool off or when to call for help†Van Tine said.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion should be treated by cooling the body temperature with liquids and a cool bath or shower. Medical attention should be sought if you notice an increased heart rate and/or blood pressure. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include; dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, weakness, and nausea or vomiting.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. If you notice anyone with signs of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately while you begin cooling down the affected person. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Red-hot, dry skin.
- Confusion.
- Unconscious.
- Chest pains.
Much more information from Emergency Management on surviving heat in good shape is available here.
I find this concern a little contradictory, Salem decides to close the second voters station so there is only one open for the voters in August. This means people will be in the heat waiting to vote. This is a health problem, when is this area going to stop playing Illinois politics? This will be a big health problem, not a good decision.